by William Shakespeare
directed by Melissa Hillman
April 20-May 26, 2007

"Impact Theatre’s production of Measure for Measure is a rousing success, a sex, drugs and rock ‘n’ roll adaptation that the Bard himself would approve.... This is Shakespeare as it was meant to be performed: bold, confrontational and in your face."
—The Daily Cal (read review)

"The three central performances in Hillman’s production are rock solid.... Hillman has a few tricks up her sleeve, and even if it means re-writing Shakespeare in the play’s final moments, let it be said that her inventions seem much more in tune with the violent, hot-tempered tone of the play."
—Oakland Tribune (read review)

"[Jeremy Forbing] is in all ways hilarious as Lucio.... Get ready for a shocking final few seconds. Think the ending of The Departed, where everything can turn on a dime, and leave you stunned, silent, and frozen before your next breath.... I can tell you right now, it isn’t what you think."
—PlayShakespeare.com (read review)

About the show

Impact's fifth Shakespeare takes on the most sin-laden play in the canon. In a debauched city, the duke takes a break from governing and leaves moralizing, power-hungry Angelo in charge. Claudio has knocked up his fiancee, a crime for which Angelo (who spurned his own fiancee) condemns Claudio to death. When Claudio's sister, Isabella—a nun in training—begs Angelo to spare Claudio's life, Angelo agrees—but only if Isabella will sleep with him. Impact's Measure for Measure—like our highly successful Henry IV, Macbeth, Othello and last season's Hamlet—will be down and dirty, dramaturged like a banshee, and ribbed for your pleasure.