Measure for Measure
The Renaissance Center Theater Company will stage one of Shakespeare's darker comedies, Measure for Measure, at the UMass Renaissance Center, Wednesday through Saturday, April 23-26 at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 27 at 2:00 p.m.
Considered one of Shakespeare's "problem" plays, Measure for Measure is a story of sexual passion and religious fervor overshadowed by hypocrisy and manipulation. Contemporary productions of the play frequently equate the moral laxity and lawlessness of its setting, 16th century Vienna, with parallel historic episodes such as the Nazi occupation of Austria or South American dictatorships. As noted Shakespearean scholar David Bevington says, the play poses the question, "How are fallible humans to judge the sins of their fellow mortals and still obey Christ's injunction... 'Judge not that ye be not judged'?"
The production will feature local professional actors as well as UMass students.
This program is made possible in part by a grant from the UMass Arts Council.
Directions & Parking
Driving Directions
From the South
Take I-91 to exit l9, turn right, cross the bridge and go six miles to the Amherst Common which will face you on the left at a traffic light in the middle of town. Turn left at the lights stay on that road, which becomes North Pleasant St. and then (without turning) East Pleasant St. The Center is 650 East Pleasant Street, about 3 miles from the center of town, on the left and just past the fire station on the right. There is a small white sign out front; there is a sign for Stone House Flower Farm across the road. Turn left into our dirt driveway and come down to the two parking lots at the Center.
From the North
Take I-91 to exit 18; at the exit go to the traffic light and turn left on Damon Road. At the end of Damon Road, at the bridge construction, turn left again over the bridge and follow the directions above.
From the East
Take the Mass Pike (I-90) to Exit 4, go north (toward Holyoke) onto I-91 and follow the directions for those coming from the south. Those using Route 9 from the east or west will come into the center of Amherst. At the traffic light at the Common, turn north along the Common. You are on South Pleasant Street, soon to become East Pleasant Street. Follow East Pleasant Street to 650 and refer to the directions above.
From the West
Take the Mass Pike (I-90) to Exit 4, and follow the directions above.