ROMOLA GARAI STARS IN SHAKESPEARE'S PROBLEM PLAY

Romola Garai stars in the Young Vic's new production of Shakespeare's problem play Measure for Measure, directed by Joe Hill-Gibbins. Exploring sexual promiscuity and the ensuing moral panic in 1600's Vienna, we follow the quest of a young postulant Isabella, who is forced to abandon her vocation in order to save her brother from execution for having unlawful sexual relations. Corruption, duplicity and deception abound in this dark comedy as Isabella is faced with a choice that could save her brother's life - or destroy hers.

What is it about?

When nobleman Claudio is arrested for immorality by impregnating his unmarried lover, he finds that the law comes down harshly on him, as the usually benevolent Duke of Vienna has taken a leave of absence, leaving the puritanical and hypocritical Angelo to rule in his stead.

It is up to Isabella, Claudio's astute, virginal sister to plea to Angelo to spare her brother's life, inventing a tale of a shipwreck. Angelo agrees to consider her brother's life - if she will sleep with him. Isabella faces a stark choice, but help is at hand in the form of a mysterious friar who appears at the right time. They conspire to fool Angelo into thinking Claudio is dead, whilst blackmailing him into marrying his former lover Mariana.