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Summer 2008   Tuesday 17th – Friday 20th June. Sunday Matinee 3pm 22nd June                                          (NO performance on Saturday 21st)

The Rivals

Directed by James Dowson

Anstey Hall

Advance Notice: March 31st - 4th April 2009 - ADC Theatre

MEASURE FOR MEASURE

Directed by Clive Young

Audition dates will be announced soon, but are likely to be in early to mid November 2008.

And .. to increase the anticipation a little .. here are some thoughts (from Clive Young, Director) on the play and its principal characters:

The play
Measure for Measure examines the moral social dilemma of sexuality and sexual behaviour within society. It was written when there was tension between the traditional attitude of the church – which could take a pragmatic view of sex between unwed couples provided they eventually solemnised their union in church – and the ambitions of the State to police marriage and sexual behaviour, led by an increasingly growing and powerful Puritan persuasion. (Years after Shakespeare’s death, during the Commonwealth, a statute was enacted that did indeed punish repeated fornication by execution.) The play centres on the abuse of power. It also, of course, reflects the gulf between the ‘haves’ and the ‘have nots’. In genre, Measure for Measure is officially a comedy, but, because of its dark nature, it is known as one of Shakespeare’s ‘problem plays’. Certainly its themes, and resolution, are provocative. It is powerful, rewarding and enjoyable theatre.

(Audition material will be available in good time before the audition dates in November.)

Duke Vincencio: Age – 35 to 55. The Duke is one of Shakespeare’ most controversial characters. His motivation and behaviour are ambivalent. Why has he allowed his people to sink into moral degradation? Why does he appoint the puritanical Angelo as regent in his absence? His motivation appears to be that Angelo will apply the draconian laws strictly and bring about a moral renaissance. But, aware of a blemish in Angelo’s character, the Duke disguises himself as a friar in order to observe and test him.
The controversy arises from the manner in which the Duke, to achieve his ends, allows unnecessary suffering of other characters – particularly Isabella and her brother Claudio. The Duke believes this is crucial testing of them. Some theatrical historians see the Duke’s meddling as a reflection of, or homage to, James I, who was prone to override the law when he thought it beneficial. Others see the Duke as an omnipotent figure who ensures the Christian judgement of the Sermon on the Mount, from which the play’s title is drawn. The actor must carry the natural authority of a ruler of state. He spends most stage-time dressed as a friar, with all the inhibitions of a cowl. The full weight of his authority is revealed in the denouement.

Isabella: Age – 16 to mid-20s. Isabella might be said to be in love with religion. She is about to
become a nun. Certainly her line “Th’impression of keen whips I’d bear as rubies, / And strip myself to death…” betray a repressed sensuality and sexuality that she only discovers and acknowledges at the end of the play. She is gifted in verbal argument, attractive and pure. But she believes absolutely in eternal life after death, and that sin on earth leads to eternal damnation. Her willingness to allow her brother to be executed rather than give up her virginity to Angelo in order to save him can be chilling.

Angelo: Age – 35 to 50. The name itself is a clue to Angelo. In many ways he is a reflection of
Isabella. He honestly believes in his moral rectitude and is totally shocked to find himself sexually
attracted by Isabella’s religious purity. He is a ruthless in his heartless rejection of Mariana and
exploitation of Isabella to satisfy his lust. In ordering Claudio’s death to protect his own reputation his fall from grace is complete. He is barefaced almost to the last, but when unmasked he is contrite to the point of wishing death.

Lucio: Age – 25 to 35. Lucio is charming, irrepressible and an inveterate liar who never knows when he has gone too far. His scandalous representation of the Duke to the disguised Duke and his behaviour in the ‘trial’ scene at the end of the play lighten the mood with slightly more sophisticated comedy than that provided by the ‘mechanicals’ Pompey, Elbow and Froth.

Claudio: Age – 20 to 30. Isabella’s hapless brother, Claudio, understands that his proposed execution is lawful and justified. His likening of the shared lust of sexual intimacy with his fiancée, Juliet, to “…rats that ravin down their proper bane, / A thirsty evil, and when we drink we die.” illustrates the perplexity of contemporary sexual attitudes. Poor Claudio is balanced on a knife-edge of hope and despair – his is the test case in the battle between Church and State concerning the management of sexual behaviour. He might be saved if his sister can be persuaded to prostitute herself to Angelo. He becomes a pawn in the political game between the Duke and Angelo and in Angelo satisfying his own lust.

Escalus: Age – 50 plus. The elder statesman, Escalus obediently accepts Angelo supplanting him
in authority. He is much more balanced and merciful than Angelo and has a gentle sense of humour. Perhaps were all rulers like Escalus the world would be a better place.

Provost: Age – 40 plus. The Provost is in charge of the gaol. A worthy and reliable man who
carries out his duties humanely. He, too, has the same steadfast qualities as Escalus and becomes the Duke’s confidante, playing an important role in the unravelling of the plot and the triumph of justice.

Friar Peter/Friar Thomas: Age – 30 plus (played as one character). A Catholic priest taken into the confidence of the Duke who plays a vital role in the Duke’s disguise and unmasking of Angelo.

Pompey: Age – 30 plus. A professional pimp: crafty and coarse, but with a homespun philosophy and optimistic outlook on life. He supplies some of the play’s lighter moments.

Mariana (the part is doubled with Francisca, a nun): Age – 20 to 30. Mariana is the wronged single woman of good birth formerly contracted to wed Angelo. Despite being wronged by him she still loves him and, for this reason, is a willing active participant in the ‘bed-trick’, taking the part of Isabella in her assignation with Angelo. Despite Angelo’s behaviour she successfully pleads for his life.

Mistress Overdone: Age – 40 plus. As the name implies, a shop-soiled, well-worn prostitute and
owner of brothels.

Elbow: Age – 30 plus. The constable – a well-meaning noodle who continually and hilariously misuses words – á la Mrs Malaprop. The butt of some of the low comedy.

Juliet: Age – 17 to early 20s . Heavily pregnant and repentant. In love with Claudio.

Abhorson: – Any age. The name says it all. The executioner.

Barnardine: – Any age. A strong-willed drunk, condemned to die, who continually refuses to do so.

Froth: Age – 20 to 30. A weak-willed fop.

Courtiers, soldiers, townsfolk and prostitutes. Where possible, actors playing minor character parts will also double in these roles, but additional actors/actresses will be needed.

Watch this space!