Measure for Measure

Measure for Measure

Rehearsed reading event at St Nicholas Priory on 3rd May 2024

‘But man, proud man,
Dressed in a little brief authority,
Most ignorant of what he’s most assured,
His glassy essence, like an angry ape
Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven
As makes the angels weep’

—Isabella Act 2, Scene 2

Join our company of professional actors for a script-in-hand reading of William Shakespeare’s 'Measure for Measure', in the amazing surroundings of one of Exeter’s oldest buildings. Arrive early to explore the Priory and enjoy a glass of wine with live music from Melodic Mamas and stay after the reading to share your thoughts.

'Measure for Measure' is believed to have been written and performed in around 1604. Set in Vienna, Duke Vincentio entrusts the city’s rule to his deputy, the puritanical Angelo, while disguising himself as a humble friar to observe in secret. Angelo tightens the city’s laws and sentences young Claudio to death for the crime of fornication.  When Claudio’s sister Isabella, a novice nun, comes to him to plead for her brother’s life, Angelo agrees to free him. On one condition… This play raises thorny questions: What does justice really mean? Does one voice hold more weight than another? Is human fallibility comic or tragic? Let's come together to explore what this ancient play reveals - which aspects of it feel rooted in its past and which still resonate to this day?

'Shakespeare @ The Priory' is a new project from actors Micha Colombo and Charlie Coldfield to create a focal point for Shakespeare in Exeter, giving audiences an entertaining experience of quality Shakespeare close to home and giving performers a platform to build community and develop their classical and sight-reading skills. Whether you're a Shakespeare aficionado or simply curious, join us as we launch this new project, and discover what Shakespeare means for us in our city today. We start with a series of rehearsed readings of lesser known classical plays, leading to fully staged productions and broader events in future

St Nicholas Priory, Exeter.

3rd May 2024

6.45pm

Explore the Priory and enjoy refreshments from the bar from 6.45pm

Live music from Melodic Mamas 7pm

Play Reading 7.30pm (with interval)

Followed by Q&A and informal chat

Tickets and information at www.nicholaspriory.com