On the 35th Anniversary of Capital Classics Greater Hartford Shakespeare Festival, ‘Measure for Measure’ is brought to life in a compelling outdoor performance.

By Maddie O’Connell

The University of Saint Joseph campus in West Hartford has been transformed into a gathering place for Shakespeare fans to see several of the bard’s renowned plays brought to life and enjoy live music and the beautiful summer air during the Capital Classics 35th Shakespeare Festival.

Shakespeare’s famous dark comedy, Measure for Measure, took the stage on Thursday, July 16, on a cool, hazy summer night.

Eager audience members began filling the lawn, setting up picnic blankets and folding chairs before the stage, which is located in front of the Bruyette Atheneum. Despite hazy skies, the show was cleared to proceed with adequate air quality measures in place.

At 7 p.m., Elqui Duo, a South American musical ensemble, took the stage, performing as the prelude to the show as they will every Thursday. The group, formed by the Alturas Duo member which includes violist Carlos Boltes and guitarist Scott Hill, is well known for blending Western classics with traditional South American folk music. Before each song, the musicians detailed the history of the piece, which served as a perfect reminder of how traditions are woven into modern society. This trend of weaving history into society shows how culture can be truly timeless, which is a theme extended into the evening’s play.

Attendees became truly immersed in the Shakespearean atmosphere. Many began unpacking coolers of food brought from home and sharing them with friends and family. The festival is an opportunity like no other to create a comfortable viewing experience and share it.

Audience members had the chance to socialize before the performance began and also enjoy refreshments from the Char-cu-te-rie stand. The evening’s vendor offered an elegant variety of cheeses, meats, snacks, and beverages that perfectly complemented the performance and atmosphere.

Those in search of a keepsake to commemorate the evening could visit the Capital Classics merchandise table and purchase a variety of items, including t-shirts, books, tumblers, and posters. The proceeds of the merchandise go to Capital Classics. Sunscreen and bug spray were provided at this table as well as face masks, a recent offering given the air quality.

At 7:30 p.m., the incredibly talented cast took to the beautifully decorated stage, bringing intense emotion and incredible costumes. Seeing this play come to life is an opportunity like no other.

On this stage, the words Shakespeare wrote long ago are verbalized once again, proving that such themes are still relevant in today’s society. The actors brought humour and amusement, which were met with great laughter from the audience.

However, Measure to Measure also delves into deep moral questioning, as characters are faced with tough decisions regarding morality, virtue, justice and mercy. Set in Vienna, the story begins when Vincentio, the Duke of Vienna, departs and leaves power to the strict Angelo, who enforces laws against sexual immorality. Such charges land Claudio arrested and sentenced to death for getting his lover, Julietta, pregnant. His sister, Isabella, a religious woman preparing to become a nun, pleads for the life of her brother.

As the story unfolds, Isabella must contemplate whether to sacrifice her virtue to the power-driven Angelo in return for her brother’s life. Such conflicts detail the divide between power and responsibility still applicable in today’s world. As Isabella and the Duke begin to expose Angelo, with the assistance of Mariana, a woman once betrothed to Angelo, they encounter abuse of power and hypocrisy and are faced with many twists that captivate the audience.

Not only are the themes of this play enough to engage an audience, but the actors themselves interact with attendees, creating a truly riveting experience. The audience reflects alongside the characters in the play, interpreting every humorous line and deep moral question.

The audience contemplates how the historic themes of Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure pertain to the world around them. The emotion and complexity each actor brought to the stage made for a compelling performance that left each audience member with something to think about.

Intermission offered an opportunity for attendees to reflect on the talent before them and the questions such a captivating performance raised. Many who had not already done so lined up for merch and charcuterie. Additionally, the evening provided audience members an opportunity to take in the University of Saint Joseph Art Museum and the Measure for Measure doll display to round off the evening.

As the sun finished setting, the actors returned to the stage, and the drama heightened. The dark evening sky complemented the conclusion of the performance and the dark themes and consequences presented to the characters. As the final scene concluded, audience members rose to their feet, applauding the talented actors before them leaving behind a powerful reminder of why Shakespeare’s works resonate with audiences centuries later.

Measure for Measure and A Midsummer Night’s Dream are running in repertory through the first weekend of August. For those eager to watch the play brought to life, Measure for Measure will be performed on Saturday, July 18; Wednesday, July 22; Friday, July 24; Sunday, July 26; Thursday, July 30; and Saturday, Aug 1.

In the event of inclement weather, the production moves inside the university’s Bruyette Atheneum.

Tickets, which are $25 for general admission and free for children 11 and under, can be purchased online at CapitalClassics.org.

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