Measuring Discomfort with the Long Beach Shakespeare Company
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
3-2-2017
Abstract
"So began the Long Beach Shakespeare Company’s production of Measure for Measure, unsettling audience members who expected Shakespeare, not a whorehouse. This push for audience discomfort was the great strength of this production, under the direction of Helen Borgers, and it was largely effective, reminding the audience that the Renaissance classification of comedy does not necessarily involve constant laughter or reassurance. Indeed, the production chose to cut many of the scenes with low characters – perhaps a shame given the excellent performance of Elbow by Emily Hansen. Elbow’s hickish accent, exaggerated swagger, and fierce glares ensured that Hansen stole all of her scenes. Abhorsen, played by the petite Ruby Morales and toting an axe a full foot taller than she, adds similar moments of brief physical comedy. However, the production makes up for these ladies’ abbreviated roles by forcing the audience to actively confront the problematic uses of male power and dominance."
Recommended Citation
Dressel, Samantha. “Measuring Discomfort with the Long Beach Shakespeare Company.” – Review of Measure for Measure, presented by The Long Beach Theater Company. In the Glassy Margents, 2 March 2017.
Copyright
Iona College
Comments
This review was originally published in In the Glassy Margents in March 2017.