LOUISVILLE, Ky. –William Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” twists and turns from tragic drama to bawdy humor in the upcoming University of Louisville Department of Theatre Arts’ production.
“Measure for Measure,” the last of Shakespeare’s great comedies, will be performed Nov. 17-21 at 8 p.m. nightly plus a 3 p.m. matinee on Nov. 21. All performances are at The Playhouse, 1911 S. Third St.
Directed by Rinda Frye, associate professor and director of Graduate Studies, the play’s characters are caught in the age-old scheme involving abuse of power as those in authority attempt to impose sex for political favors.
“No one in the play is perfect,” Frye said. “During the course of action we learn that authority is dangerous unless it is tempered by mercy.”
Frye found the issue of justice and authority is still very timely, similar to what could be read in today’s newspapers.
“I was more and more drawn to the common people in the play,” Frye said. “Shakespeare sees them as amusing and portrays them as morally flawed, yet as deeply human as you and I.”
Show tickets are $12 for the general public, $10 for faculty and staff, and $8 for students and senior citizens. For tickets and information, call 502-852-6814 or visit louisville.edu/theatrearts/.