Measure for Measure

Measure for Measure, Shakespeare’s sharp-edged comedy of the error of hypocrisy, tells a surprisingly modern tale of what has been called the first theatrical piece to examine sexual harrassment. Angelo, acting as ruler in the absence of the Duke, uses his power to enforce an archaic law forbidding sex before marriage. He finds Claudio guilty of the offense and sentences him to death. When Claudio’s sister Isabella goes to Angelo to plead for her brother’s life, Angelo offers her a deal: have sex with him (Angelo) and he will let her brother go. And thus the fun begins.