Measuring up to Shakespeare
By Kelly Waldron, Opinions Editor
Shakespeare club is measuring up to theater excellence in their upcoming performance of Measure for Measure.
On Friday, April 4 and Saturday April 5 at 7:30pm in Degenstein Theater, everyone is welcome to support the Shakespeare club and their collection of over 20 student actors and crew members that have come together for this production.
This student-run show will not only leave the audience thinking, but welcome students into the darkly comedic and entertaining world of Shakespeare.
Measure for Measure is a lesser-known Shakespearean play about choice and injustice in a kingdom where those in power are questionably reasonable. The directors chose to place this production in the 1920s, to use themes relating to women’s rights, American ideals and government control.
“Measure for Measure is a problem play because it’s a comedy but has very dark themes… we’re going to make you laugh but we’re also going to make you feel uncomfortable,” said co-director Gracie White.
It’s dirty, it’s funny, it’s indecent, but it’s going to leave audience members with unanswered questions that will have them reflecting on their current beliefs.
“Measure for Measure is an invitation to think,” said junior Lorraine Durbin, who is portraying Isabella, “especially about autonomy and women’s freedom to choose.”
Although Shakespeare is often regarded as difficult to comprehend, the co-directors, Gracie White and Ella Baker, have been working to make Shakespeare entertaining and enjoyable for everyone.
“You will feel the love we put into this show if you come,” said Baker, “there is passion from every end, and we’ve been trying to be understanding with difficult language so that everyone can be entertained by Shakespeare.”
With hard work and love from every angle, the Shakespeare club has been putting in all their efforts to make this production the best it can be.
“Because this is a lesser-known show, audiences are only going to see one production of Measure for Measure,” said Durbin, so this is a show you’re not going to want to miss.
Degenstein theater doors will open at 7pm on Friday April 4 and Saturday April 5. The show is free for all, so there is no ticket purchase necessary. The Shakespeare club will also be hosting a basket raffle on both nights to fundraise for their next production.
Featuring Members of the Shakespeare Club