Measure for Measure at the RSC Stratford

I had to look up the meaning of the title. It comes from Mathew 7.2 "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you". At the heart of this "comedy" is a powerful and unsettling message about morally corrupt politicians and sexual exploitation.  Vienna has sunk into the mire that resonates with events of today. Director Gregory Doran has let a play from 1604 speak yet again to a modern audience about the abuse of power.

Above are Sandy Grierson, who brings a grave melancholy to Angelo, thrust into a position he did not seek. But his performance is strained compared to Lucy Phelps as Isabella, a crusading evangelist at odds with all those around her.  However, neither are in the same league as the leads in the production at the Almeida in 2010. (See posting 13th April 2010). Rory Kinnear and Anna Maxwell Martin were outstanding in Michael Attenborough's modern setting.

There is some comedy to lighten the mostly dark mood. But even these interruptions are never less than salacious. Joseph Arkely is terrific as Lucio as is David Ajao as Pompey.

The cast is held together with a majestic performance from Antony Byrne as the Duke. But even his presumption in his last line only proves that he is not immune from the corruption that pervades this play. We go home in the same disgust as did Isabella. Some comedy!