Measure for Measure - cast announced

Theatre for a New Audience have announced the full cast for their production of Shakespeare's comedy Measure for Measure, directed by Arin Arbus, opening at the Duke On 42nd Street on 14 Feb 2010, following previews from 6 Feb abd running through to 14 Mar 2010.

Jefferson Mays, who in 2004 received a Tony Award for his performance in 'I Am My Own Wife,' is 'The Duke.' Elisabeth Waterston, who has performed Shakespeare for Theatre for a New Audience, Classic Stage Company, and the New York Shakespeare Festival, is 'Isabella.' Rocco Sisto, winner of two Obies and a veteran of ten New York Shakespeare Festival productions, is 'Angelo.'

Measure for Measure: When the Duke of Vienna departs on a mysterious trip, he delegates power to Angelo, a man of seemingly spotless reputation. Angelo clamps down on the city's vice by enforcing an antiquated law punishing fornication with death. He makes an example of young Claudio for impregnating his beloved fiance. But when Claudio's beautiful sister Isabella who is about to take holy vows, pleads with Angelo for Claudio's life, Angelo demands that in return for mercy, Isabella sleep with him.

"Of all the plays in Shakespeare's canon, Measure for Measure is the most contemporary" said Jeffrey Horowitz, Artistic Director, Theatre for a New Audience. "Among many themes, the play explores whether morality can be legislated, religion, sexuality, marriage, justice and hypocrisy. Measure for Measure was one of George Bernard Shaw's favorites for in it, he felt Shakespeare showed life as it is. This is the third time we have mounted the play. In 2005, we presented the Globe Theatre of London's production starring Mark Rylance and in 1996, Barry Kyle staged the play for us starring Bill Camp. It's a wonderful play for an ensemble for its characters are articulate and one of its chief weapons is humor."

The production will feature scenic design by Peter Ksander, lighting by Marcus Doshi and sound by Jane Shaw.