Jay Shah
DevOps\Aerospace Engineer & Journalist
Hello, theater enthusiasts! Welcome back to another exciting update from the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival. After being mesmerized by the gripping tale of “Comedy of errors” “Twelfth Night” & “Hamlet,” it’s time to switch gears and step into the vibrant, footloose-inspired world of
“Measure for Measure!”
The Company of The Comedy of Errors, Photo by Tim Matheson.
Running from July 4 to September 20 at the Howard Family Stage, this adaptation, directed by Jivesh Parasram, delivered a night of dance, drama, and darkly absurdist humor set against the backdrop of the party city, Vienna.
Performance Recap
A Feast of Festivities
The festival atmosphere at Bard on the Beach is always a highlight. From the picturesque setting of Vanier Park to the lively pre-show gatherings, each event is a celebration of community and the arts. The “Measure for Measure” production was no exception, with its blend of neon lights, energetic choreography, and compelling storytelling, providing an unforgettable evening of entertainment.
The Howard Family Stage transforms into the bustling, neon-lit streets of Vienna.
Known for its lively dance floors and the hottest DJs, Vienna is the place where the party never stops—until now. Duke Vincenzio, the city’s beloved party animal, has enforced long-ignored morality laws, leading to a crackdown on dancing. This unexpected decree sets the stage for a hilariously dark and absurd journey, as the Duke disguises himself as a friar and watches the chaos unfold under the rule of the strict and un-groovy Angelo.
Dates: July 4 to September 20
Venue: Howard Family Stage at Bard on the Beach, Vancouver
Run Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (including a 20-minute intermission)
A Footloose Fusion of Dance and Drama
Vienna: Party city. The place you’ll never find a dance floor empty… until now.
When charged with enforcing long-ignored morality laws, the much-loved party boy Duke Vincenzio takes his cue to get out of Dodge and lay low while the law cracks down—handing the judicial reins to the decidedly un-groovy Angelo. No (pre-marital) dancing is the decree. One of Shakespeare’s most painfully relevant tales of coercion and hypocrisy reaches darkly absurdist new heights in this footloose adaptation.
The Story
With rocking dance floors and the hottest DJ in the business, Vienna is the place to be, especially with notorious party animal Duke Vincenzio keeping the music going all night long. However, when the Duke receives a decree declaring that Vienna’s long-forgotten morality laws must now be enforced, he realizes it would be hypocritical of him to crack down on the law now. The Duke flees Vienna, but not before charging the notoriously stuffy Angelo with cleaning up the city in his absence. However, what Angelo and the rest of the city do not know is that the Duke is still in Vienna, disguised as a friar.
Scott Bellis as Duke Vincenzio, Photo by Tim Matheson.
Now that he is the ruler of Vienna, Angelo makes an example out of a young man named Claudio, who is sentenced to death for dancing in public with his fiancée Julietta. One of Claudio’s friends, Lucio, learns about Claudio’s fate from two dance hall workers named Mistress Overdone and Pompey, whose lives are also at risk because of Vienna’s newly enforced morality laws. Lucio sets out to tell Claudio’s sister, Isabella, the news. Isabella is preparing to join the convent and become a nun, but after hearing that her brother has been sentenced to death, she agrees to try and convince Angelo to change his mind.
Jeremy Lewis as Claudio, Photo by Tim Matheson.
At first, it looks like Angelo will refuse to consider Isabella’s appeal, but he eventually tells her that he will think about it. When Isabella returns the next day, Angelo says that he will spare Claudio’s life—but only if Isabella dances with him. Not only does this go against everything that Isabella believes in, but dancing with Angelo would also break the vow she took when she joined the convent. She refuses Angelo’s offer, even if it means her brother must die. Angelo gives Isabella one day to reconsider his proposal.
Craig Erickson as Angelo, Meaghan Chenosky as Isabella, Photo by Tim Matheson.
Will Vienna’s dance floors remain empty for good under Angelo’s tyrannical rule??
Isabella visits Claudio in prison and tells him about her conversation with Angelo. Claudio understands why she has refused Angelo’s offer, but he begs her to reconsider, leaving Isabella with an impossible decision to make. The Duke, still disguised as a friar, overhears their conversation and tells Isabella about a woman named Mariana, who was once set to marry Angelo—and who may just be the key to saving Claudio. Will they succeed in their plan to save Claudio’s life? Come join the fun at this wonderful festival here in Vancouver and find out!
Behind the Scenes with Measure for Measure
Revitalizing Shakespeare’s Masterpiece
Bringing “Measure for Measure” to life in a footloose-inspired adaptation is no small feat. Jivesh Parasram‘s vision transforms the Howard Family Stage into the vibrant, party-filled streets of Vienna.
Adapted and directed by Jivesh Parasram, this innovative take on “Measure for Measure” captures the essence of Shakespeare’s timeless tale with contemporary relevance. Parasram, a multidisciplinary theatre artist of Indo-Caribbean descent, brings a fresh perspective to this classic play. His background in sociopolitical theatre and his role as Artistic Director for Rumble Theatre shine through in this production, creating a powerful blend of intense drama and absurd humor.
Photo credit-Chelsy Stuyt
Meet the Talented Ensemble
The success of this production owes much to its incredible cast. Each member brings their unique talent and dedication, creating a memorable and engaging performance. On a side note, the performance I managed to witness had a few key alterations in their cast for the day:
Key Cast Members:
Craig Erickson (he/him): As Angelo, Erickson captures the character’s rigid morality and underlying hypocrisy with nuance and precision. 
Karthik Kadam (he/him): Playing Lucio and Kevin, Kadam’s performance provides comic relief and critical commentary on the unfolding drama. 
Leslie Dos Remedios (she/they): Taking on the roles of Mariana, Escalus, and Francisca, Dos Remedios showcases their versatility and emotional range. 
Meaghan Chenosky (she/her): Playing Isabella and Mistress Overdone, Chenosky delivers a powerful performance, balancing the innocence and determination of her characters. 
Scott Bellis (he/him): As Aux Cable (DJ), Abhorson, Old Man Escalus, and understudy for Duke Vincenzio and Angelo, Bellis adds depth and versatility to his multiple roles. 
Tess Degenstein (she/her): As Julietta, Provost, Elbow, and a nun, Degenstein’s portrayal brings both humor and gravity to the production. 
TAL SHULMAN (HE/HIM): Understudy for Aux Cable (DJ), Abhorson, Old Man Escalus, Lucio, and Kevin
The Creative Forces Behind the Production
The production team’s collaborative efforts have created a cohesive and impactful performance that revitalizes Shakespeare’s work for a modern audience. The seamless integration of set design, costumes, music ( I particularly enjoyed the inclusion of Flo Rida’s “Low”, brought me back to high school fr!), and choreography ensures that the audience is fully immersed in the vibrant world of Vienna.
Historical Context and Themes
Drawing from Italian Inspiration
Magistrate Escalus and Constable Elbow meet in Measure for Measure, woodcut, early 17th century.
The Granger Collection, New York
“Measure for Measure” is not solely a product of Shakespeare’s imagination; it draws heavily from Italian sources, particularly Giambattista Giraldi’s “Epitia” and George Whetstone’s “Promos and Cassandra” (Encyclopedia Britannica) (Home | Folger Shakespeare Library). These influences provided the foundational narrative of morality, justice, and sexual politics that Shakespeare adapted into his own unique version.
Morality and Justice in a Corrupt Society
From O.L. Hatcher, Shakespeare Plays and Pageants. University of Victoria Library.
Set in a morally lax Vienna, the play examines the enforcement of strict laws by the hypocritical Angelo, reflecting societal debates on justice and morality during Shakespeare’s time. The severity with which Angelo enforces these laws, especially regarding pre-marital sex, highlights the tension between public duty and private morality (Home | Folger Shakespeare Library) (Home | Folger Shakespeare Library).
Religious and Political Authority
The Duke’s decision to disguise himself as a friar allows Shakespeare to explore themes of political and religious authority. The Duke’s moral ambiguity and his surveillance of Vienna under the guise of religious piety reflect the complex interplay of power and morality (Home | Folger Shakespeare Library). This disguise complicates the ethical landscape of the play, raising questions about the legitimacy and misuse of authority.
Marriage as a Social Contract
“More Wedding Customs.” Elizabethan, 22 Mar. 2008,
The play also delves into the nature of marriage as a legal and social contract. Claudio and Juliet’s relationship, though seen as a committed union by contemporary standards, is viewed as sinful and illegal by Angelo. Conversely, Angelo’s broken engagement with Mariana, due to her lost dowry, showcases the harsh realities of social and economic pressures on marriage (Home | Folger Shakespeare Library) (Home | Folger Shakespeare Library).
Hypocrisy and Coercion
At its core, “Measure for Measure” is a commentary on the hypocrisy and coercion prevalent in both personal and political spheres. Angelo’s proposition to Isabella—to save her brother in exchange for her virtue—exemplifies the abuse of power and the moral compromises individuals are forced to navigate (LitCharts) (Encyclopedia Britannica).
Reflections and Revelations
Looking back on this vibrant production, it’s clear that this adaptation brought a fresh and dynamic perspective to Shakespeare’s work. The integration of a footloose-inspired dance party within the framework of a Shakespearean play was both innovative and captivating, highlighting the timeless nature of the themes while making them accessible and relevant to a modern audience. Unlike traditional portrayals, this adaptation’s use of dance as a metaphor for coercion added a unique layer to the narrative. This reminded me of how “Twelfth Night” used music to underscore the play’s themes of love and confusion.
Creativity and Collaboration
Just as with previous performances, the dedication and creativity of the cast and crew shone through in every aspect of the production. The seamless blend of traditional Shakespearean dialogue with contemporary dance music created an electric atmosphere, drawing the audience into the heart of Vienna’s vibrant nightlife. This fusion not only entertained but also emphasized the underlying themes of power, morality, and social justice.
Echoes of Past Performances
On previous productions, it’s fascinating to see how each adaptation brings out different facets of Shakespeare’s work. “Hamlet” explored the depths of human emotion and resilience, while “Twelfth Night” delighted with its whimsical blend of humor and romance. “Measure for Measure,” with its darker, more complex themes, stands out for its bold approach and thought-provoking narrative. Take “The African Dream“—a performance that delved deep into the human spirit’s tenacity. The resilience seen in that production echoes the themes present here where characters face their struggles with hope and determination. The emotional intensity brings a similar sense of perseverance and resilience, making the experience profoundly impactful.
Final Thoughts
As I watched Isabella confront Angelo, I was reminded of a similar experience I had during my university days. Standing up against authority and sticking to one’s principles, despite the odds, resonated deeply with me. Her struggle and determination mirrored my own journey, making her plight all the more relatable and poignant.
All in all, the creative vision of the director, the dedication of the cast and crew, and the vibrant festival setting all contributed to a memorable and impactful performance. For those who missed it, I highly recommend keeping an eye out for future productions by Bard on the Beach. Their innovative approach to Shakespeare’s works promises many more evenings of unforgettable theatre.
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8 responses to “Footloose in Vienna: A Dance-Filled Take on Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure at Bard on the Beach”
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