Shakespeare's "Measure For Measure" Coming To Limestone Theatre Oct. 4-6

Charles Wyatt
Shakespeare's "Measure For Measure" Coming To Limestone Theatre Oct. 4-6

“Measure For Measure” Coming To Limestone Theatre Oct. 4-6 Limestone College’s Department of Theatre will present “Measure For Measure” during a three-night run October 4-6. The start time for each show is 7:30 p.m. at Limestone Center Theatre, located at 130 Leadmine Street in Gaffney. Tickets are on sale online at limestone-college.ticketleap.com. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 each for seniors 65-over and non-Limestone students. Limestone faculty, staff, and students are admitted free with a valid ID. Tickets will also be available for purchase by cash only at the door. Shakespeare's “Measure for Measure” centers around the fate of Claudio, who is arrested by Lord Angelo, the temporary leader of Vienna. Angelo is left in charge by the Duke, who pretends to leave town but instead dresses as a friar to observe the goings-on in his absence. Angelo is strict, moralistic, and unwavering in his decision-making; he decides that there is too much freedom in Vienna and takes it upon himself to rid the city of brothels and unlawful sexual activity. Laws against these behaviors and institutions already exist, and Angelo simply decides to enforce them more strictly. Claudio is arrested for impregnating Juliet, his lover, before they were married. Claudio is sentenced to death in order to serve as an example to the other Viennese citizens. “I feel this juxtaposition of ribald satire, intense tragedy, and freewheeling morality – and as our world becomes increasingly polarized both socially and politically – makes the play's themes timelier than ever,” said Director Rob Kahn. The play's main themes include justice, “mortality and mercy in Vienna,” and the dichotomy between corruption and purity: “some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall.” Mercy and virtue prevail, as the play does not end tragically, with virtues such as compassion and forgiveness being exercised at the end of the production. “Measure for Measure” continues to be classified as a comedy, albeit a dark one. Kahn noted that although the play is suitable for children, it can be wordy at times, so it is not recommend for a young audience. Concessions will be available for purchase. Special edition Limestone Theatre cups are available for $15 each and include free refills at all productions this year. In addition, audiences are being encouraged to bring and donate shoes they no longer need, as part of the www.gotsneakers.com initiative. By participating, audience members help keep sneakers out of landfills, while also putting shoes on the feet of less fortunate people across the world in places such as the Caribbean, Central America, South America, West Africa, and Europe. The initiative is also a fund-raising venture from Limestone Theatre, as it receives $1 for each pair of shoes donated.