Players provide right 'Measure'

The Pennsylvania Players' production of Measure for Measure, often labeled Shakespeare's "problem play," certainly poses more problems than it answers. Director Tony Phelan, a 1985 College graduate, uses the play to lambast the current political establishment. Provocative and well-produced, the play pits Isabella, College senior Liesel Euler, in a position of seeking the release of her brother from Deputy Angelo, played by College freshman Brian Turnbaugh. Angelo sentenced her brother Claudio, College senior David Lavine, to death for pre-marital fornication. But Angelo propositions Isabella in exchange for her brother's freedom. Anita Hill could not help but sympathize with Isabella's dejected line in the final act, "As I, thus wrong'd, hence unbelieved go." Just as Measure questions authoritative moral judgments and criticizes the hypocritical treatment of mercy and justice by politicians, Phelan's liberal direction decries censorship of the arts, sexual repression and sexual discrimination. Many scenes, which Phelan exploits to their ideological fullest, echo the media circus environment of current politics that Americans expect every time they switch on the television. Even the props are used to lampoon modern political life. From Secret Service-esque goons with aviator's glasses to video cams to the infamous "mike table" behind which so many politicians are entrenched as they conduct their hearings, Phelan forgets none of the accoutrements of the modern political world. Initially such devices seem heavy-handed, but eventually they become part of the characters and their surroundings as the action on stage spills over into current political issues and events, making for a satiric comical tone which overlies the more serious action. In the fifth act, three-piece suits replace the customary Elizabethan trappings. Jef Johnson, 1990 College graduate, sports a red tie, handkerchief and cuff links in his portrayal of the Duke, who is accompanied by his deputy, blond-haired Angelo on the stage. The pair uncannily resembles George Bush and Dan Quayle. In Measure, Shakespeare's last official comedy, the politicians are just as slick as they now appear. Characters perform for other characters, putting false airs about themselves, making unfounded claims or unjust accusations. The more politically aware one is, the more enjoyable this production. Yet it is rare to see Measure performed, and the Penn Player's fresh and talented efforts will entertain any Shakespeare aficionados. The Penn Players will perform Measure tonight, tomorrow night and next Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. in the Harold Prince Theater. Tickets are $5.