First performed in London in 1604, Measure for Measure remains one of William Shakespeare’s most thought-provoking plays. Penned by the most celebrated playwright in the world, this tale navigates the delicate line between comedy and tragedy, exploring profound themes such as morality, corruption, power, self-sacrifice, and the ever-shifting scales by which we measure ourselves and one another. However, a more licentious thread runs through the play, as we encounter characters fond of merrymaking, wine, and carnal pleasures. Amid this vivid cast, the story unfolds when the Duke of Vienna announces his departure and leaves Vienna, temporarily ceding power to his deputy, Angelo, a man of “impeccable virtue” and a strict law enforcer.
In a parallel storyline, we encounter the unruly Claudio, who is sentenced to death for immoral conduct. His reckless friends appeal to his sister Isabella, urging her to plead with the merciless Angelo on his behalf. Their encounter alters the fates of all the characters. Angelo pressures Isabella to trade her body for her brother’s life, though she is poised to enter the convent. Isabella refuses to compromise her chastity and honour, while Claudio, gripped by fear of death, begs her to reconsider. Meanwhile, it is revealed that the Duke has not left Vienna but has remained disguised as a friar, quietly observing the unfolding intrigues. What follows is a rapid succession of events leading towards an ending that is, more or less, a happy one.
Director Ivan Plazibat presents this entirely fresh and inventive staging of Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure, in collaboration with dramaturge Ivana Vuković. For her role as Mistress Overdone, Lana Barić was awarded the Mila Dimitrijević Award for Best Actress in the 2023/2024 season.
