Theatre Fairfield presents William Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure" | Press Releases

April 10, 2013-April 15, 2014
PepsiCo Theatre
Fairfield University

Theatre Fairfield , Fairfield University's resident production company, takes a contemporary look at William Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure," setting the Bard's classic tale within the timeframe of the "Punk" generation of the 1970s and '80s.Performances take place Thursday, Apr. 10, through Tuesday, Apr. 15, 2014 , at the PepsiCo Theatre located on the campus of Fairfield University. Performance times are 8 p.m. Thurs.-Fri. and Sun.-Tues., Apr. 10-Apr. 11 and Apr. 13-Apr. 15; and 2 p.m. on Sat. and Sun., Apr. 12 and Apr. 13. Tickets are $12 for general admission; $6 for seniors and University staff; and $5 for students.

"Measure for Measure" is a play about lust, power, and corruption set in 17th century Vienna, themes that all too accurately mirror today's world. To enhance these connections between the two distant time periods, Director Martha S. LoMonaco puts a modern spin on the classic Shakespeare piece, setting the play within the 1970s-1980s Punk subculture. "Measure for Measure" and the Punk generation both share conceptual ideas, such as rebellion against those in authority, a passionate sexual drive, and the aspiration to be anything but conventional. When is it time to initiate change? How does it feel to be punished for the sins of everyone else? Is sex worth dying for?

Professor LoMonaco noted that she wanted to present a Punk-inspired version of "Measure for Measure"after she visited the "Punk: Chaos to Couture" exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art last summer. "I was struck by the similarities between New York of the 1970s and 1980s and the world of the play," said Professor LoMonaco. "Young people - especially the artists living in squats in the East Village - were doing what they needed to do to get by, 'to live,' as Pompey, one of the play's down-and-out characters says to the man arresting him. They spoke truth to power and creativity, and they screamed their anger through outlandish clothing, raucous music, and defiant graffiti, just like our characters in the play." The director hopes that through this contemporary production, audience members can better relate to the timeless themes of Shakespeare's play as told through the Punk generation that the company brings to life.

Joining Director Martha S. LoMonaco are Jan Mason (Acting/Vocal Coach), Brad Roth (Dance/Movement Coach), Karl Ruling (Scenic/Lighting Designer), Hugh Hanson (Costume Designer), Kevin Schneck (Technical Director/Music Supervisor), and Lynne Porter (Producer).

All roles in the play will be played by a company of ten actors: Owen Corey '14, Mary Corigliano '14, Ashley Ruggiero '14, Franco Luzzi '15, Brigid Callahan '16, Alexander Kimble '16, Alex Mongillo '16, Véronique Poutré, Tori Schuchmann '16, and Brendan McNamara '17.

Tickets are available through the Quick Center Box Office: (203) 254-4010, or toll-free 1-877-ARTS-396 (1-877-278-7396). Tickets can also be purchased online at www.quickcenter.com .