'Measure for Measure' is not one of Shakespeare's best or most important plays by all means, but it is one of his most underrated and deserves to be known and performed more. Other plays of his have more iconic characters and speeches, as some of the characters in 'Measure for Measure' have always seemed underwritten, but there are many beautiful parts in the script and there are great scenes and characterisation. Every Shakespeare play is worth reading or/and seeing at least once and that is the case here.
This Shakepeare Globe production is very entertaining and well done. It doesn't overcome the play's problems, but really appreciated its boldness and loved its energy, what it did with one crucial relationship and most of the performances. It is not one of the best productions of 'Measure for Measure' seen, did much prefer the 2019 production from the Royal Shakespeare Company, but it is a more than worthy one.
It is at its weakest with the characterisation of the Duke, to me he is characterised in a way that jars with the text and it was like the production didn't know what to do with him. Dominic Rowan does give his all, but it did seem like he was under-directed and left to his own devices, which gave an uncertain improvisatory feel.
Also thought that the scene in the court with Mistress Overdone veered into overblown excess and the way it is staged and choreographed does suspend some disbelief considering where the scene is set.
However, there are a lot of strengths here. Absolutely loved what was done with the relationship between Isabella and Angelo, which had genuine tension and sensuality and in a way that was quite daring. Angelo comes over as even more venomous than usual. The staging has occasional bouts of excess but on the most part it is very tasteful while also trying hard to make the drama accessible and fresh (without trying too hard while not playing it too safe). There are plenty of laugh out loud moments, while the bleaker aspects of the play are far from neglected. In fact, it's the bleaker and more emotional moments where the production is at its most successful.
Furthermore, it's well designed. At times austere but at other times sumptuous, never resorting to gratuity. The music fits beautifully and is even more beautifully performed. Excepting reservations with Rowan, the performances are very strong. With frighteningly serpentine Kurt Egyiawan and even better touchingly delicate yet steely Mariah Gale taking top honours.
On the whole, very well done. 8/10.
