About the Show

Public Theater's Mobile Unit resets Shakespeare's dark comedy in the vibrant streets of New Orleans. Tickets are distributed 90 minutes before each performance at The Public and by digital lottery on TodayTix.

From the show:

It’s 1979, Mardi Gras has been officially cancelled, yet the community is still celebrating. Temporarily left in charge by the Duke, the upright and uptight Lord Angelo has decided to crack down on the city’s debauchery, arresting young Claudio for impregnating his fiancée Juliet before their wedding. When virtuous Isabella, Claudio’s sister, hears of his death sentence, she begs Lord Angelo for mercy. But hypocritical Angelo propositions her instead, leaving Isabella with an impossible choice: save her soul or her brother’s life.

In this timely production, lovers and leaders in disguise reveal how those in power take advantage of those without it – asking the question, can the law be both just and merciful?

Critic Reviews (4)

"No One Is Innocent on Mardi Gras: Morals are especially relative in a new production of Shakespeare’s play, set in New Orleans amid the anarchy of Fat Tuesday, 1979."
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"1979's Rebellious Mardi Gras Inspires Mobile Unit's 'MEASURE FOR MEASURE'"
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"As performed by a cast made up entirely of women of color, it would seem to be the last word in trendy concepts; instead, I think, it gets closer to the play's diamond-hard core than possibly any other I have seen."
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Score: 98% "This all-female cast is not backing down. They are out to entertain and roar! Hear them roar! And they are having as much fun as we are! This cast is a powerhouse of women."
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Cast and creative team