Angelo Maria Ripellino

Advantages: Great plot
Disadvantages: None

...recent productions of Measure for Measure are Peter Brook's 1950 staging at the Shakespeare Memorial Theatre with John Gielgud as Angelo, Charles Laughton as Angelo at the Old Vic Theatre in 1933, and a 1976 New York Shakespeare Festival production featuring Meryl Streep as Isabella and John Cazale as Angelo. The play has only been produced on Broadway once, in a 1973 production that featured David Ogden Stiers as Vincentio and Kevin Kline in the small role of Friar Peter. Characters Isabella, a novice nun, is a virtuous and chaste young woman who faces a difficult decision when her brother is sentenced to death for fornication. Isabella does not approve of her brother's actions, but she pleads for his life out of loyalty and sisterly devotion. It could be noted that many of her decisions during the play go against the morality she claims... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Shakespeare's most interesting play
Disadvantages: Left questioning character's motives

...Critics has classed this as a "Problem Play", why? Well let me explain why. Here we have a Duke (Vincentio) of Vienna, who leaves and disguises himself as a Friar to spy on people. The Duke leaves Angelo (a stern man) in charge. Vienna is a beautiful place but hides a secret that is not attractive, this city practices prostitution. Claudio, a man who is married (which is not yet official because of the missing dowry), made his wife pregnant and so is sentenced to execution by Angelo. Isabella (Claudio's sister) goes to Angelo to plead for mercy, yet Angelo will not consider individual's situation. The next day Angelo said he would let Claudio go if Isabella would sleep with him. Well I will not tell you what happens or if she does sleep with him, you should read it. People are immediately scared to read a play once they know... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Thought-provoking with plenty of humour
Disadvantages: I doesn't say what happens next at the end

...In the 400 years since this play was written, many people more qualified than myself have ventured their opinions on it. In the new millennium, there are some who would argue it has lost its relevance, but I am not amongst that number. Besides, it’s a play that’s full of fun. See what you think …. PLOT SUMMARY (with some minor details deliberately withheld) In the opening scene of Act I we see the main character of the play, the Duke of Vienna, making arrangements for a period of absence. His deputy, Angelo, is to be fully empowered to act on his behalf. The Duke appears unsure of the decision and is wondering how his deputy will perform. Another character, Escalus, thinks that this appointment is well made. Angelo is initially hesitant and protests that he is not ready for the responsibility, but he is quickly silenced... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful