Measure for Measure: The Arkangel Shakespeare

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Measure for Measure: The Arkangel Shakespeare Details

Telling his followers he is leaving the city on affairs of state, the Duke of Vienna appoints the puritanical Angelo to govern in his absence. Will Angelo prove as virtuous as he seems once power is in his hands? Roaming the city disguised as a friar, the duke looks on as Angelo's lust for the virtuous Isabella sweeps him into the corruption he has so sternly condemned in others. The duke's manipulation at last produces a happy ending for this dark comedy, with its brilliant exploration of the themes of justice and mercy. Roger Allam plays the duke and Simon Russell Beale is Angelo. Isabella is played by Stella Gonet.

Reviews

The rival set on Harper is a much more elegant reading of with Gielgud and Richardson as Deputy and Duke. On the other hand, this is much more lively performance. Perhaps the Duke of Roger Allam is a little less noble than one expects in this role; but Simon Russell's Angelo is sufficiently villainous and Stella Gonet's Isabella is a strong one. The rest of the cast keeps things moving at a good clip. The tale of the Governor Who Lets Things Go Too Far is a very timely one in any age. Picture the present Mayor of New York's problems with law enforcement in a city that put political correctness before the safety of its citizens. And need we point out the obvious link with a High Official who uses his office to gain sexual favors from young women? And they say Shakespeare has nothing to say to a modern audience!!! This play should be studied in Political Science classes as well as in English ones.

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