www.montereycountynow.com MARCH 6-12, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 27 ONSTAGE Measure for Measure is one of the less-commonly staged of Shakespeare’s plays. Part comedy, part tragedy, it is based in the 17th-century seamy brothels of Vienna. The play tells the story of Claudio and Juliet, who have sex before their planned marriage. As the current local law prescribes, Claudio is arrested and sentenced to death. There is also a duke responsible for the law and its implementation—Angelo who, despite his own rules, asks Isabella, a nun-to-be, to become his lover. The story of the young couple asks questions about societal morality and hypocrisy, according to River Navaille of Hartnell College’s theater arts and cinema faculty, who brought the play to the Western Stage and directs. “In the play, the old law was ignored for years,” Navaille says about fornication punished by death. “It becomes re-installed by Angelo, who then offers to save Isabella’s brother, Claudio, in exchange for sexual services.” The audience has a chance to think about the consequences of such matters. “It’s some real stuff,” Navaille says. The story takes place 400 years ago, but it takes measure of the differing norms of today. For example, under the new administration, the Department of Justice is going back to implementing the death penalty when applicable, even though the U.S. has been slowly abandoning the practice. The country is regressing when it comes to gender and abortion rights. “It seems that people who wield power can still themselves break the law,” Navaille observes. Measure for Measure was produced outside of the regular Western Stage theater season. This student-centered production serves Hartnell College theater arts students as a way to gain experience in the world of Shakespeare. A young actor without Shakespeare skills can easily struggle in their career. The play was prepared within the Professional Actors Training Intensive instructional program. That the play is not as well known as Hamlet or Romeo and Juliet is one of the reasons Navaille chose it for the stage. “I never had a chance to work with it before,” she says. “Also, the language of the play is fantastic—especially the scenes and dialogues with Angelo and Isabella.” Measure for Measure 7:30pm Friday-Saturday, March 7-8, 14-15; 2pm Sunday, March 9, 16. Western Stage, Hartnell College, 411 Central Ave. (building K), Salinas. $10. 755-6816, westernstage.com. MELISSA CHIN PARKER Dirty Deeds Hartnell College theater students take on one of Shakespeare’s less familiar plays. By Agata Popęda Melissa Muñoz as Mistress Overdone and Tyler Gill as Pompey in the Western Stage production of Measure for Measure. INFORMATION & RESERVATIONS +1 (800) 527-2200 Our local friends & neighbors are invited to indulge in a soothing getaway to Big Sur. Through March 13, visit Post Ranch Inn and take advantage of our Locals’ Escape offer. • Accommodations in a Tree House, Coast House, Ocean House or Pacific Suite • Daily Dining Credit of $250 Each Night of Your Stay • Daily Breakfast Basket Nightly rates start at $1500 based on room type Unplug, Unwind, and Reconnect 720 BROADWAY AVE. SEASIDE Call 831-899-1762 to order DINE IN / TAKEOUT / DELIVERY Using fresh, quality ingredients The Oven continues a tradition of New York style pizza, alongside signature San Francisco sourdough pizza. Come enjoy a slice today. Great Dough Great Pizza is Thin crust & Sourdough pizzas Salads & Calzones • Pasta • Subs Draft beer on tap • Wine • Dessert
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