Words seem inadequate to describe a Measure for Measure production that uses every possible technical means (lasers, neon, TV, computerization) in performance to match Shakespeare's scathing prose and deep poetric expression. Modern dress emphasizes the applicability to today of the unsettling state of Vienna in the play. Beginning on a bare stage with a steep rake, there unfolds Duke Vincentio's divided responsibility: city and suburbs; civil, moral, religious law. Because he's neglected his duty to stem rampant corruption and sexual exploitation, he disguises himself as a Friar to find out what must be done. He appoints strict, spare Angelo, his deputy, as an enforcer. (Angus Wright -- approriately in a business suit -- plays him like a combination of ruthless corporation president and secretary of war/political enforcer.)
The central story has Angelo condemn to quick death Claudio (portrayed as a playboy) for getting Juliet with child out of wedlock. When Claudio's sister (powerfully pure in Naomi Frederick's interpretation), about to take her vows as a nun, answers his plea to beg for his life, the sight of her has Angelo grabbing his crotch. He offers to spare Claudio if Isabella will secretly fornicate with him. Otherwise, no mercy.
Now she has the pivotal problem on all legal planes. Of course, Angelo's temporary rule has implications for every possible type of sinner and sinned against, and how they do parade and posture! Ajay Naidu's Lucio is probably the oiliest parallel to Angelo and most hypocritical of the lowlife. Funniest figure in this dark comedy is Barnadine, who simply refuses to die, no matter his sentence.
Mercy works in strange ways in the play. There's also a large "measure" of irony in various characters' final fate. It's not so much the outcome that one must remember about Complicite's achievement but how brilliantly it is worked out. I can't imagine any version doing greater justice to Shakespeare's examination of justice. Definitive.
