A Visceral New Adaptation Of Shakespeare's Political Drama
A co-collaboration between London's Cheek By Jowl Theatre Company and Russia's Pushkin Theatre, Declan Donellan's Measure for Measure received rapturous reviews across the globe for its visceral adaptation of the bard's poignant poetical reflections on power, corruption and the difference de jure and de defacto law. The intensely political play's thrilling blend of humour and heavy-hitting drama transport the audience to modern day Russia with thought-provoking consequences, bringing audiences face to face with their own sense of morality and justice.
The story follows government official Angelo, whose left to clean up the brothels, STD's and general licentiousness that scourge his city's streets. Enforcing strict laws, Angelo's crusade against the wicked steamrolls over the guilty and innocent alike. Caught up in this moral war is Claudio, charged and convicted of sex before marriage even though the act was consensual and with his bride to be. When his noviciate nun sister Isabella pleads his case to Angelo, the official shows his true colors and propositions her in exchange for his freedom.