Del Mar Drama’s Production of Measure for Measure Opens Friday, March 1
Article by: Rosa Linda Reynoso
Often called one of William Shakespeare’s problem plays, Measure for Measure continues to be classified as a comedy, albeit a dark one, though its tone may defy those expectations. Although Shakespeare wrote the play over 400 years ago,
Del Mar College’s Drama program will present Measure for Measure with its plot and themes startlingly apt for 2019.
The production runs two weekends, March 1-2 and March 7-9 in Del Mar College’s Bartlett Theatre in the East Campus Fine Arts Center Building on Ayers Street. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $10 general admission; $6 for seniors, military, and DMC faculty and staff; and $3 for DMC students with a valid ID. Box office opens each night at 6:30 p.m. before each performance. Beginning Feb. 22, advance tickets are available online at www.delmar.edu/drama. For more information about the production, contact Del Mar Drama at 698-1216 or drama@delmar.edu.
Measure for Measure is rated R for adult themes and content and is for mature audiences only (no children under age 6 allowed).
Set in the increasingly decadent city of Vienna during a time of loose morals, Duke Vincentio temporarily abandons his rule and hands the city’s stewardship to the upright, stern Angelo. Firmly clutching his new power, Angelo begins enforcing harsh edicts for sexual license by sentencing Claudio to death for an adulterous affair.
Claudio’s young sister Isabella, who is preparing to become a nun, pleads Angelo to spare her brother. The righteous Angelo is overcome with desire for Isabella and makes her a highly unusual offer in exchange for Claudio’s life.
Meanwhile, the Duke has lurked about the city disguised as a monk, secretly influencing the course of Angelo’s strict justice.
Measure for Measure’s main themes include justice and the contrast between corruption and purity. 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, illustrating that Shakespeare intended for moral justice to temper strict civil justice.
For more information about the College’s Drama program, visit www.delmar.edu/drama.
Del Mar College empowers students to achieve their dreams. We offer quality programs, individual attention, outstanding instruction through faculty with real-world experience and affordable costs to credit and noncredit students in Corpus Christi and the South Texas Coastal Bend area. Nationally recognized while locally focused, we’re ranked in the top two percent of community colleges in the country granting associate degrees to Hispanic students (Community College Week). Del Mar College focuses on offering our students programs that match current or emerging career opportunities. Whether students are interested in the fine arts, sciences, business, occupational or technical areas, students get the education they need for the future they want at Del Mar College.