PCPA brings Shakespeare’s most provocative and morally complex play “Measure for Measure” to the Severson Theatre, Feb 26-March 15.

The production features an all-women design team and a cast comprising women and non-binary individuals, “offering a fresh perspective on a story that feels startlingly contemporary,” PCPA said.

When the Duke of Vienna leaves his austere deputy Angelo in charge, a wave of harsh morality sweeps through the city. But Angelo’s carefully guarded facade begins to crack when he is confronted by a virtuous young novice who pleads for her brother’s life.

Dangerous deception, power and morality become tangled in a world where nothing is as it seems, and time is running out to uncover the truth and set things right.

“‘Measure for Measure’ is a bold exploration of justice, morality, and the gray area between right and wrong,” PCPA said. “Shakespeare’s sharpest social drama is shockingly relevant and endlessly compelling, told with wit, suspense, and Shakespeare’s signature poetry and insight into human nature.”

“I love ‘Measure for Measure,’ and it makes me furious,” said director Emily Trask. “I’ve been in a fantastic argument with this play since the first time I worked on it over 20 years ago. And I’m far from alone.

“Though it’s one of Shakespeare’s more rarely produced works, it’s among his most hotly contested. It provokes intensely conflicting interpretations and arguments, and asks enormous questions about justice, power, mercy, gender and consent.

“And then it has the nerve to refuse to answer them. I love this play because it refuses to behave. It wants to provoke you.”

“At ‘Measure for Measure’s’ heart is a brutal paradox that demands us to consider: What does mercy actually look like? Does power necessarily corrupt? What happens when the rules apply to everyone except those in charge?

“Though written in 1603, this play feels urgently current. And to maintain that immediacy, in our production, ‘Measure for Measure’ is staged by St. Mary’s Academy, an all-girls Catholic school — a frame that not only allows us to mirror Shakespeare’s own writing and single gender approach, but amplifies the play’s hierarchies of doctrine, morality, and authority. All without rewriting Shakespeare.  

“As the frame dissolves, we’re left with ‘Measure for Measure’s’ dark comedy, dangerous edges, and purposeful provocation. I’m still arguing with it. And after this performance, I hope you are, too.”

The show’s creative team includes Director Trask; Scenic Designer Natasha D’Amico, Costume Designer Caroline Rein, Sound Designer Molly Costello, Lighting Designer Alonna Hall, Stage Manager Jennie White, Production Stage Manager Jack D. Myles*, and Original Music Composition by Paul Marszalkowski.  

The cast includes Polly Firestone Walker as Duke Vicentio / Ms. Baron, Kitty Balay as Escalus / Sr. Francisca / Ms. Scaliger, Molly Dobbs as Angelo / Ms. Engler, Dahlia Ridenhour as Claudio / Elbow / Student, Isabella Faith Scott as Isabella / Student, G So as Lucio / Student, Torilynn Hicks as Mistress Overdone / Juliet / Abhorson / Student, Jamie Collins as Pompey / Student, Molly Bell as Provost / Student, and Kelly Brenya as Mariana/ Claire.

Tickets for “Measure for Measure” can be purchased online at pcpa.org or at the box office, 805-922-8313. Tickets start at $25.