"Measure for Measure," William Shakespeare's classic tragicomedy of social morality, will begin Grand Valley State University's annual Shakespeare Festival with an opening night performance and reception on October 1. The schedule includes eight performances in the Louis Armstrong Theatre of the Performing Arts Center in Allendale :
- October 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 at 7:30 p.m.
- October 3, 9 and 10 at 2 p.m.
"Measure for Measure" tells the story of a benevolent duke who, reluctant to enforce laws regulating vice and corruption, cagily hands power over to his young subordinate, Angelo. The arrogant Angelo, however, lacks the compassion and grace necessary for good governance, and strictly enforces the statutes despite his own hidden culpability. A play that "hath no deaths but brings many near to it," "Measure for Measure" is a story for today as it examines what constitutes leadership, public accountability, and social morality in an ethically ambiguous world.
Says play director Roger Ellis: "If you're familiar with the political doctrine of church-state separation, then you'll love this treatment of the question: what happens when fundamentalists gain control of the government?"
The play's costumes and overall design have been updated to have a contemporary look, said choreographer and festival director Robin Reese, a visiting theatre professor at GVSU.
"It's not stodgy Shakespeare," Reese said. "This production is designed to be fresh and alive, yet it's well acted and true to Shakespeare's writing so that those with a more classical sophistication will enjoy it as well. It really appeals to a wide audience, which is the festival's intent."
Headliners in the cast include equity actors and National Shakespeare Company veterans Paul Riopelle, playing the role of the provost, and Bradley Mott, as the duke. Mott was seen in last year's Shakespeare Festival when he played Falstaff in King Henry the Fourth, part one. Since then, he has appeared on Chicago stages in several productions; his past credits include, along with numerous theatre roles, feature films and TV shows.
Senior theatre major Scott Lange takes the lead role of Angelo, and junior Chelsea Opdyke plays Isabella, a young nun who Angelo tries to overpower. Nearly 20 other students and community actors complete the cast.
Tickets to "Measure for Measure" are $6 for all students; $10 for GVSU faculty/staff/alumni; and $12 general public. Purchase by calling Star Tickets Plus (service charge will be assessed) at (616) 222-4000 or (800) 585-3737, or call the LAT Box Office weekdays at (616) 331-2300. More ticket information is available at www.gvsu.edu/shakes.
Other Shakespeare Festival Highlights
Visiting Shakespeare Scholar Friday, Oct. 1 4 p.m.,
University Club, DeVos Center, Grand Rapids Campus. Free.
Dr.
Barbara Mowat, director of academic programs at the Folger Shakespeare
Library in Washington, D.C. the world's largest collection of
materials pertaining to Shakespeare and the Renaissance period
and executive director of Shakespeare Quarterly, will give a public
presentation, followed by a reception.
Visiting Shakespeare Scholar Saturday, Oct. 2 10 a.m.,
Loosemore Auditorium, DeVos Center. Free
Dr. Barbara Mowat will
give a special informal presentation. For more information, call
festival director Robin Reese at (616) 331-2149.
