Pacific Theatre to Present The Honest Fishmongers' MEASURE FOR MEASURE, 1/18-2/8

Would you sacrifice your soul to save your brother's life? Pacific Theatre is proud to present The Honest Fishmongers' production of Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare. A surprisingly contemporary tale of scandal, abuse of power, and the balance of justice and grace that arises when Vienna's Duke takes an unexplained leave of absence, leaving a power-hungry steward, Angelo, in his place. With a set of ruthless morality laws still in the books, Angelo uses them to his advantage, ultimately forcing a young nun into a terrible ultimatum: her soul for her brother's life.

"Measure for Measure is a play of its time, and yet it is utterly modern", says director Kevin Bennett, "we may live in a more secular society than Jacobean London, or the Vienna setting of Measure for Measure, but we still struggle with people who have 'puritanical-like' views (such as Angelo), or who are perhaps too lenient (as the Duke)."

Bennett is a young force in Shakespearean theatre, already well-known in Vancouver for his revitalization of the Bard's work through his large-cast, small-stage productions. He has also recently returned from a directing apprenticeship at the Stratford Shakespeare Festival.

Joining Bennett on this production is a team of Vancouver's finest actors: John Innes (Heroes), Simon Webb (King Lear) Julie McIsaac (Hamlet), Peter Anderson (Waiting for Godot), Katharine Venour (Mother Teresa is Dead), Alison Kelly (Mom's the Word), Michal Fera (Hamlet), Jeff Gladstone (The Life Game), Emmelia Gordon (Progressive Polygamists), and Pippa Johnstone (The Duchess). Set design by Shizuka Kai (Proof). Sound design by Chris Adams. Lighting design by Graham Ockley. Costume design by Christopher David Gauthier (King Lear). Choreography by Lisa Goebel. Stage management by Ingrid Turk.

ABOUT PACIFIC THEATRE: Pacific Theatre is celebrating its 30th anniversary season, after being launched by Ron Reed and a small group of actors in 1984. Currently located in the historic Chalmer's Heritage Building at 12th and Hemlock, Pacific Theatre has a unique 128-seat alley-style theatre and is known for producing work that is intimate, honest, and challenging.

ABOUT THE HONEST FISHMONGERS: The Honest Fishmongers are interested in being truthful to the original text and exploring ways to give the audience a unique experience of the plays that marries the traditions of the Elizabethan era, with modern 21st century innovation.

MEASURE FOR MEASURE by William Shakespeare runs Jan 18-Feb 8, playing Wednesday-Saturday at 8pm with 2pm matinee Saturday & Thursday, Jan 23. All performances run at the Pacific Theatre, 1440 W 12th Ave (at Hemlock), Vancouver, BC. Tickets: $19.99-29.99 (not incl. HST or fee), to book visit pacifictheatre.org or call 604.731.5518.

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