Jeremy Lewis in
Measure for Measure
Photo: Tim Matheson

 

 

Bard on the Beach
Measure For Measure adapted by Jivesh Parasram

When & Where July 4 - September 20, 2024; evening 7.30pm, matinees on Sat & Sun 2pm | Howard Family Stage

Director Jivrash Parasram Set Design Ryan Cormack Choreography Krystal Kiran Costume Design Alaia Hamer Intimacy Director Lisa Goebel Voice Coach Alana Hawley Purvis Fight Director Sam Jeffery Stage Manager Rebecca Mulvihill Lighting Design Hina Nishioka Sound Design Chris Ross-Ewart
Actors Scott Bellis, Meaghan Chenosky, Tess Degenstein, Leslie Dos Remedios, Craig Erickson, Emma Houghton, Karthik Kadam, Jeremy Lewis, Tal Shulman, Jacob Woike, Raugi Yu, Synthia Yusuf

Reviewer Shakeela Begum


The opening night performance of Measure for Measure at the modern-day Vienna setting was a treat for the senses, thanks to the visionary collaboration of a remarkably creative team. Director Jivesh Parasram's inspired interpretation transformed Shakespeare's classic into a vibrant theatrical party, filled with neon lights and contemporary zest that perfectly resonated with today's younger audiences.

The stage was an explosion of color and life, a testament to the creative genius of Set Designer Ryan Cormack. The set design incorporated modern neon inspirations that welcomed the audience into a world where classical theatre meets urban grunge. Costume Designer Alaia Hamer added her unique flair with colorful, contemporary neon outfits that bridged the gap between Elizabethan times and today’s, enhancing the lively and joyous atmosphere of the performance.

The characters, far from being stuffy and conservative, were lively and engaging, delivering tongue-in-cheek jokes and weaving in quotes from contemporary pop music that kept the audience laughing and thoroughly entertained. This wasn't just a play; it was a high-energy party on steroids, a cabaret infused with Shakespeare's penetrating insights into moral hypocrisy.

Thanks to Parasram's direction, along with Cormack's and Hamer's innovative contributions, the evening was a hilarious and engaging spectacle, making Measure for Measure a must-see, especially for younger audiences. The entire show was a jubilant celebration that breathed new life into the timeless themes of the play, making it relevant and extraordinarily accessible to a modern audience. Truly, a vibrant and engaging experience crafted by a team of remarkable artistic talents!

The setting of the play within the vivid, neon-lit streets of modern Vienna cleverly symbolizes the city's struggle against moral decline. In an intriguing twist to wake the city's pre-marital “dancing" laws, the Duke appoints the stern Angelo, his cousin as his proxy, feigning departure. Angelo, portrayed with an icy demeanor that barely reveals his inner turmoil, enforces the law with a harsh hand, condemning Claudio to death for dancing in public with his own fiancée.

Into this stark moral landscape steps Isabella, Claudio’s sister, a character of profound innocence and determination, who is on the verge of joining a convent. Her confrontation with Angelo brings a complex layer to the narrative, as the morally rigid Angelo finds himself unexpectedly captivated by her. His offer to trade Claudio’s freedom for Isabella’s virtue adds a gripping tension to the play, illustrating the timeless Shakespearean themes of power, corruption, and virtue with a fresh, contemporary twist.

The entire experience was an unparalleled delight; I've never had as much fun watching a Shakespeare play as I did last night. The innovative approach taken by the talented team transformed the Bard's work into a joyous, immersive spectacle that was as entertaining as it was thought-provoking. The fusion of classic text with modern elements created an unforgettable evening that I highly recommend to anyone looking for a fresh and lively take on Shakespeare. This performance is a testament to the fact that with the right creative vision, Shakespeare's works can be made incredibly accessible and thrilling for audiences of all ages.

© 2024 Shakeela Begum