Measure for Measure at Antaeus Theatre Company

GLENDALE, Calif. - Feb. 5, 2020 - PRLog -- The fine lines between justice and mercy, lust and love, forgiveness and retribution are exposed when Antaeus Theatre Company presents Measure for Measure. William Shakespeare's dark comedy opens Feb, 21 the Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center in Glendale, continuing through April 6. Low-priced previews begin Feb. 13.

Sex and hypocrisy abound in a disturbing tale about power, corruption and the true nature of mercy and justice. The Bard's world is familiar: sex is a commodity, government is subject to the leader's moral whimsy, and licentiousness goes head to head with emergency powers to constrain and punish.

According to co-artistic directors Bill Brochtrup and Kitty Swink, the company's decision to include this "problem play" in the season followed a powerful staged reading. "The issues that were so immediately compelling when we heard the play aloud seem even more pertinent now," they explain. "Corruption, faith, sexual politics and the struggle to do the right thing are themes that desperately call for exploration. Plus the humor, wit, and intelligence of Shakespeare's characters make this a thrilling choice for the company." Each of the actors in the Antaeus production has been cast in multiple roles.

"We have an incredibly talented group of actors, and we want to show that off," says Armin Shimerman, who directs together with Elizabeth Swain. "But the idea of having them double up on parts is not original — Shakespeare's company did it too. There are no charts, but there are distinct hints in the script that it was written to be done that way. Astute audiences will hear echoes in an actor's second role of something he may have said in his first."

Opens Friday, Feb. 21, continuing on Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m. and Mondays at 8 p.m., through April 6 (dark Monday, Feb. 24). Previews Feb. 13 - Feb. 20. Tickets $35; previews $15.

Kiki & David Gindler Performing Arts Center, 110 East Broadway, Glendale, CA 91205. The first 90 minutes of parking is free, then $2 per hour, in Glendale Marketplace garage located at 120 Artsakh Ave. (between Broadway and Harvard). The theater is air-conditioned and wheelchair accessible. Tickets and info call 818-506-1983 or go to www.antaeus.org.