The Stanford Shakespeare Company Presents: Measure For Measure

The Stanford Shakespeare Company Presents: Measure for Measure

At the Elliott Program Center

5/23 Thurs: 8pm

5/24 Fri: 7pm

5/25 Sat: 8pm

In the lively city of Vienna, prostitution and depravity run wild throughout every corner of its disease-infested streets. The Duke of the city, Vincentio, witnessing this unbridled immorality, plans to rein in the people’s vice and restore the justice system to its former authority. He leaves the city in the hands of one Lord Angelo, a puritanical, cold-blooded man who has no eyes for leniency. Given this immense power, Angelo immediately sets about to transform the city, whipping bawds and sending criminals to the chopping block.

Claudio, a young gentleman, is sentenced to execution for impregnating his wife before marriage. His sister, Isabella, pleas for the deputy to spare her brother’s life, but Angelo remains unwavering in his decision. Instead, Angelo is struck by this novitiate’s devout purity and virtue, and feels an infatuation and lust he has never felt before. As he agonizes over the temptation which draws him in, questions of corruption, power, and justice are raised, and the susceptibility of the human soul comes to light. What is true justice and does it even exist? And who, if anyone, has the right to judge the fate of others?

Content Warning: Measure for Measure contains discussion and depiction of sexual assault.

Reserve your free tickets here -- donations gratefully accepted! Check out our facebook page for more pictures and information. If you have any questions, please contact producer Arielle DeVito (adevito@stanford.edu).

The show will run approximately 2 hours, with one 15-minute intermission. If we have sold out on the night you would like to attend, please sign up for the waitlist and come early. We'll do our best to seat you!