Shakespeare play given modern edge
Familiar and fresh faces will form a 20person cast when Warragul Theatre Company present Shakespeare play “Measure by Measure” this weekend.
The company will present four shows on Friday and Saturday at the Warragul Exhibition Hall.
New director Steve Wiegerink will offer a modern spin on Shakespeare’s challenging yet comedic play questioning the relationship between justice and morality.
John Black as Escalus, Michael Winterton as Provost and Liz Lubberink as Elbow are amongst the cast members returning from 2016 production “Paris – The Rock Musical”.
Last year, John played Agamemnon, Michael played Theresites and Liz played Hecuba.
John Black, who first appeared with the company more than 15 years ago, has won multiple awards in Gippsland theatre. They include the GAT for most outstanding support actor (male) in 2014 for “Phantom of the Opera”.
Other familiar faces include Sharryn Marshall as Mistress Overdone, Fiona Camp as Froth and Stephen Howe as Abhorson.
The company taking a step out of its musical comfort zone to present its first Shakespeare production has seen new faces join the cast.
“We are taking very big new, brave, bold steps,” said cast and committee member Fiona Camp. “We are out of our comfort zone but it’s a great chance to try something new and see how it works.”
“Measure by Measure” starts with Claudio (played by Sami-Lee Coulter) being condemned to death for getting his lover pregnant. Claudio’s sister Isabella (Isabel Stephens) begs for a pardon from strict judge Angelo (Adrian Chance Darakai), who is pushing for Claudio’s death. He promises to spare Claudio if Isabella will yield to his desires.
The Duke (Paul Tyson), after declaring he will depart the city and leave governance in the hands of Angelo, is instead disguised as a friar to discover more about the lower class and prison system.
Villain Lucio (Kaley Ward) offers his opinions from the sidelines, offering humour and tying together subplots.
Also in the cast are Marjorie Clements (Justice/Francesca), Georgia Green (Varrius), Isabella Hallam (Lucio), Keira Jarred (Mariana), Jasmine Mead (Juliet), Kylie Sinclair (Barnardine), Ross Stephens (Friar Peter), Jessica Stephens-Short (Lucio), Paul Tyson (Vincentio) and Deb Welch (Pompey/Friar Peter).
Steve Wiegerink, who made his debut with Warragul Theatre Company as Daddy Warbucks in “Annie” in 2007, is directing.
The local drama teacher is well known for his acting and directing across numerous companies, but this is his first-time directing Warragul Theatre Company.
Steve is joined on the creative team by assistant director Tori Adams and text consultant Rod Williams.