Sydney Shakespeare Festival: Measure for Measure - Review

Measure for Measure
SYDNEY SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL at the Old Fitzroy Theatre presented by Sydney Independent Theatre Company.
Directed by Richard Hillar
Reviewed by Ben Oxley

An eye for an eye?

Shakespeare's Measure for Measure tells of the fate of Claudio (Alexander Spinks), who is arrested by Lord Angelo (Nick Hunter), the temporary ruler of Vienna, left in charge by the Duke (John Grinston) who pretends to leave town but instead dresses as a friar to observe the goings-on in his absence.

As it is set in nearby Kings Cross, it made me think of the political shenanigans of recent times, although the players are not imprisoned. Consider also these same players had given King Lear the night before.

Hunter plays Angelo as strict, moralistic, and unwavering in his decision-making; he shows us a self-deceived bigot. No need for any former premiers here.

Claudio is arrested for getting Juliet (Hailey McQueen) his lover pregnant, before they were married. Although they were engaged and their sexual intercourse was consensual, Claudio is sentenced to death. Tough call.

Aiding and abetting are Pompey (Kieran Foster) and Elbow (Jasper Garner Gore), with lively delivery and well-maintained comic capers. The male and female minor parts were well handled, especially by Leo Kingsford-Smith and Hailey McQueen.

Isabella (powerfully portrayed by Danielle Baynes), Claudio's sister, is about to enter a nunnery when her brother is arrested. When she hears of her brother's arrest, she goes to Angelo to beg him for mercy. He refuses, but suggests that there might be another way. He propositions her, she is shocked and immediately refuses.

Claudio learns of these events, and agrees to his sister's intervention at first but then changes his mind. Isabella then intercedes for her brother with a visiting friar, the Duke in disguise. This could be done more convincingly perhaps by using a hood.

The second half opens in medias res with a karaoke competition, which Mariana (Amy Scott- Smith) gives a clever segue into the drama.

The Duke forms a plan by which Isabella will agree to have sex with Angelo, but then Mariana will go in her place. The next morning, Angelo will pardon Claudio and be forced to marry Mariana according to the law.

The Duke returns in his usual clothes, saying that he will hear all grievances immediately.

It is Isabella's story that the Duke pretends not to believe her. If you are confused, the ending will help you, as in all good finales we have resolution, or do we?

from 20 Nov to 21 Dec 2013

Review - Sydney Shakespeare Festival, As You Like It

Sydney Shakespeare Festival takes place in the Bicentennial Park in Glebe and what a superb setting it is; watching the performance with a backdrop of both the great bridges of Sydney. If you want a romantic night out you really can go passed this. There were a few couples cuddled up under the stars on Saturday night. But the festival is great for all friends and families, there were all there.  The picnic blankets were out (along with the fruit bats!), some even bought full lounge beds! It is BYO food and drink which everyone brought and nibbled at during the show. The scene was set, all we needed now was the entertainment.

I must say, I haven't seen As You Like it before and I didn't know the story,  but I had no trouble following this performance.  Considering the actors were competing with airplanes and birds, with no microphones and no huge lighting set it really was acting in the raw, and it was brilliant.
Sydney Shakespeare Festival is directed by Julie Baz closely supported by David Jeffrey, without these two the Festival just wouldn't exist which would be a huge shame.
The music was composed by Sarah de Jong. I really enjoyed the "sing song" melody it was very jovial and fitted well with the play and helped the calm romantic atmosphere of the evening. There was a short interval, which on a Saturday night, they are almost forced to have as Darling Habour erupts into a firework display!
All the actors performed well and seemed to enjoy the performance as much as we did. There was one actor that stood out which was Emily Elise as Rosalind, she really brought her character to life and was a joy to watch.
Book yourselves in for a great night of Shakespeare and for all you romantics out there it would be a good night to propose!
Children, people with disabilities and 'older' people can enjoy the night for free, for more info and booking go to www.sydneyshakespearefestival.com.au.

This Week's Interviews - 16 January

On our radio show, The Hubbub, on Triple H 100.1 fm we had three special guests -

Carla Davern a performer on the Rhythmboat Cruises for their Abba and Retro Cruises. Hear how Carla copes with performing in the Harbour! Listen here

Abigail Campion, the director of the children's festival Night Owl. Find out what is happening in Sydney's newest precinct Darling Quarter. Listen here
and

Julie Baz the director of the Sydney Shakespeare Festival. This is an annual festival, hear about some of the challenges about putting on an outdoors performance. Listing here

Visit again next week to find out who we had on the show.

(please note the links will become inactive in about 3 months time, call 02 99403649 if you would like to listen)