- Thesis Statement
Jeffrey Carlson daring theatrical production leads us into the heart of Shakespeare’s dark comedy, where vice and virtues collides, as law and lust become inextricably entwined.
- Overview
- The play to be watched is Measure for Measure.
- This play took place in the Goodman theatre, a professional theatre located in Chicago’s loop.
- The 2 hours and thirty minutes show begun at 2.00pm on March 21, 2014
- The cost of my ticket was $14. I had bought it online after checking the availability of a seat at the balcony area.
- I got seat 24 which was in the 6th row at the Balcony area.
- I was seated next to my friend Billy Fenderson. All along the show, Billy evidently showed his emotions to the different situations in the play Measure for Measure. He would burst out laughing at some point while the next moment he appeared sorry, almost breaking into tears due to circumstances that befalls some of the characters such as Isabella’s brothers.
- Plot
The plot of this play is solely based on the issue of morality and manipulation, this was perfectly displayed by the director of the play and his crew members with the help of props brought on the stage. The most inciting scene change for this play occurs when Angelo sentences Claudius to death for making Juliet pregnant despite the fact that she was betrothed to Claudius. Among the major incidents and sightlines that are visible to the audience ranges from incidences of immorality to the value of life in a cinematic incident. The denouement of this play occurs when the Duke returns and tries to help the chaste Isabella save her brother from a death sentence from the Villain, Angelo as the curtain falls.
- Theme
The theme of this play is expound on whether a woman’s virginity or chastity is being perceived to being more precious than life itself.
- Character, described by function
The role of Isabella, which was acted by Goodman theatre actress, Alejandra Escalante, represents one of the most interesting roles in the play. In her repelling of Angelo in her endeavour to save his brother, her concept that a woman’s virginity is more valuable than the life of an individual becomes evident. The Assistant Stage manager (ASM), of this theatrical play, wittily expounds on the exploitation that occurs at various ends of the sexual social spectrum. She largely appears to being the protagonist in the story. On the other hand, Angelo is definitely the antagonist and the villain of the story. This is explained by his indulgence in issues of immorality and unfair judgement through misuse of his leadership position.
- Literary Qualities
The most prevalent literary devices as outlined by Aristotle’s diction is the aspect of tragedy in the story.
- Music and Musicality
There are various musical adaptions that manifests themselves in this play. The crew members were very wise to use a very old opera which was created by Richard Wagner in the early 19th century. There was also the use of the musical desperate measure (2004) which was mostly played in the background.
VIII. Spectacle
Measure for measure is a play that deals with challenging questions. However, the play produced by Jeffrey Carlson was indeed a spectacular one. There are several scenes where Carlson brought out the theme of the play clearly. He knows how to capture the viewer’s attention. When two strippers in nun’s behaviours open their robes and move their breasts, it was hard to get the attention off the stage. The prelude of the play is a lively one. The themes of Sex, justice and judgement, and marriage are well introduced from the beginning of the play.
The cast of the play was more reserved as the play unfolded. The props used to execute the play were professionally selected. There was a scene which prison bars and book shelves slide around stage with music played to create a moment of tension amongst the viewers.
Generally, Measure for Measure, is a play with a strong impact. I however found that after the powerful opening, the play did not match my expectation.
IX. Convention
Conventions in this romantic play include secrets known to the audience but remain blind to some characters, the exposure of puritanical mystery, and conclusions where opponents reconcile, crimes forgiven, and the push towards marriage overcoming the reluctance in most parts of the play.
X. Acting and Directing
As the director of this play, Jeffrey Carlson was very effective in bringing out the themes as discussed in the book. With a crew of 34 actors and technicians, he used the appropriate prop, well managed the space of the stage, proper lighting, and character selection to execute the play.
XI. Outstanding moment
There was one interesting moment in the acting. The scene where the empowered Angelo (played by Jay whittaker) faces the apprentice Isabella (played by Aljendra Escalante) who went to plead for the life of Claudio, her brother, who had been sentenced to death for impregnating her girlfriend and falling in lust. Jeffrey Carlson produced a magnificent scene and brought out a clear impression of a person (Angelo) obsessed with morality and law. He is obsessed with books and papers. He eventually ends up losing Isabella.
XII. The Event as Theatre
The term theatre is used to refer to a building or an outdoor area where dramatic performances and plays are given. This play fits to be termed as a piece of theatre as it makes good use of props to impersonate real objects. The setup of the bedroom of lord’s house is done with items used to represent the real items. This is normally done in theatre plays.
XIII. Summary
