CAMDEN – Often considered Shakespeare's most perplexing play, Measure for Measure still speaks to issues faced today: political corruption, hypocrisy, and sexual harassment. Students at Rutgers–Camden will offer performances of this challenging classic set in modern-day Camden during April 8 to 16.
Directed by Kenneth Elliott, an assistant professor of theater at Rutgers–Camden, the play will be performed at 8 p.m. Friday, April 8, and Saturday, April 9; 2 p.m. Sunday, April 10; 5 p.m. Thursday, April 14; 10 a.m. Friday April 15; and 8 p.m. Friday, April 15 and Saturday, April 16.
"This is one Shakespeare play that has become more relevant through the years," notes Elliot who has set Shakespeare's Vienna in today's Camden, New Jersey. "The themes and plotline seem to resonate with contemporary audiences."
The plot follows the new leader of Vienna, Angelo, who rules in the mysterious absence of the Duke of Vienna. The puritanical Angelo reinforces a long-ignored law against fornication and condemns Claudio to death for impregnating his fiancée. Claudio's sister, Isabella, a novice nun, pleas to Angelo for mercy. Desirous of Isabella, Angelo proposes a lewd arrangement for Claudio's pardon. A merciful resolution is arranged, when the Duke reappears in disguise.
Current Rutgers–Camden students and alumni have been cast in the production with Theo Langason as the Duke (MINNEAPOLIS, MN); Matthew Brenner as Angelo (Laurel Springs); Kearstie Kaspar as Isabella (CLAYTON); and Jake Hufner as Claudio (Bellmawr).
The cast also includes Paul Barnette (SHAMONG); Aimee Bornfreund (CHERRY HILL); Nnamdie Chickezie (ORANGE); Sean Cummings (CHERRY HILL); Michael Fisher (DELRAN); Erin Gartland (GLOUCESTER CITY); Nathan Kusisto (WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP); Sean Lynch (OAKLYN); Kristina Matorano (SOMERDALE); Michael 0'Brien (SICKLERVILLE); Brittany Robinson (LUMBERTON); Sean Quinn (SANTA CLARITA, CA); and Ashley Thornton (GLASSBORO).
The stage crew consists of student stage managers Cory Labree (BROOKLAWN) and Cooper Gorelick (CHERRY HILL), with sets and lighting by James Mobley; costume design by Rebecca Kanach, and sound design by Stefan Orn Ararson. Rutgers–Camden faculty members Julianne Baird, distinguished professor of music, and Christopher Fitter, associate professor of English, serve as musical advisor and dramaturg.
Sponsored by the Department of Fine Arts, the student production will be held in the Gordon Theater, located in the Fine Arts Complex on Third Street, between Cooper Street and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge on the Rutgers–Camden campus.
Tickets for general admission are $10; tickets for senior citizens and Rutgers employees are $8; and tickets for students are $5. For more information, call (856) 225-6176.
-30-
If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.