Measure for Measure (Mobile Unit)

See it if you're open to non-tradl WS. MFM's set in NOLA w all-WOC cast. Most do justice to the text, making sense of the prob play (except for end).

Don't see it if you want high prodn values. Barebones. But gr music/lots of energy. Duke is a standout! Resonates in MeToo era. Unclear resoln for Isabel.

See it if you’d like a fast, clear, fun lesson in the abuse of power, courtesy of 1 of the Bard’s notorious problem plays.

Don't see it if you want your Shakespeare straight: This production has a lot fun & presents a clear lesson, sacrificing a bit of depth in the process.

Also The Mobile Unit’s current “Measure for Measure” takes Shakespeare’s #MeToo play & turns it into a carnivalesque lesson about the abuse of power, especially toxic male sexual abuse of less powerful women. The music, the noise, the movement, the fun costuming, the engagement of performer with audience members all contribute to the sense that this is a “show.” So does the fact that even the play’s male characters, though remaining “male” here, are played by women. That might take some of the edge off the horror of Angelo’s abuse of Isabella, but it also allows for the play to become a feminist lesson. For a production that has been touring community venues across the 5 boroughs, this sacrifice of some depth for clarity of message makes sense.... Read more Read less

See it if interested in an all WOC cast in one of Shakespeare's "problem plays" emphasizing the bawdy, fun aspects on Fat Tuesday in 1979 New Orleans

Don't see it if you don't like your Shakespeare tampered with. Pre-show intro while often fun went on too long.

Also Extremely multitalented cast. Great music & dance. Fun doesn't undermine the serious message.... Read more Read less

See it if a streamlined, raucous, rollicking version of one of Shakespeare's problem plays with an all female cast.

Don't see it if You don't like cross-casting or streamlined Shakespeare productions. You don't want to engage with your fellow audience.

See it if you enjoy modern interpretations of Shakespeare. Good job of making problematic play relevant for today. Injects humor into the story.

Don't see it if you're a Shakespeare purist. If you want elaborate sets and costumes--this is bare bones. Can be a bit hard to follow the plot/characters.

Also I loved that all roles were played by women of color and it was an incredibly diverse and young audience. Discussion before and after the play help contextualize it.... Read more Read less

See it if you're a fan of the Public Theater's great mission of free Shakespeare for ALL the people; enjoy Mobile Unit's unique take on Willie S.

Don't see it if you're looking for straight & serious Shakespeare with noble accents (this one includes everything from cowboy twang to uptown slang)

Also All woman cast, most playing multiple roles gets confusing. Not as hyper and frantic as some of the M.U.'s past productions, but go anyway. (Read a summary of the play before you go.)... Read more Read less

See it if you enjoy Shakespeare and don't have a problem with modern staging - it's set in 1970's New Orleans.

Don't see it if you don't like Shakespeare or only want to see if with the traditional staging.

Also This is the second time I've seen a production of the Mobile Theater, they do an amazing job with minimal props/costumes. Final performances tomorrow, so hurry on over!... Read more Read less

See it if you haven’t seen this play before. Good, funny, all female, all POC cast. Toccarra Cash a standout as Lucio. Ending is stranger than usual.

Don't see it if seen many times; dislike drawn out pre-show audience discussions. Too slapsticky, not emotionally resonant. Ending is a cowardly cop out.

Also This might not happen at every performance but the day I attended, the traditionally quick Q&A that precedes all Mobile Unit shows went on for waaay too long.

*Spoilers/comments on the ending*
Isabella has 2 options in the end: she either accepts or rejects what’s proposed to her. Her choice has interesting implications either way. A director can certainly evade picking one and shrug into a smiling dance if he likes (and Elizabethan plays are believed to have concluded this way); but to do so is to avoid engaging with the reasons Measure for Measure—which has been unpopular for centuries—is suddenly experiencing a burst of stagings & renewed interest within the last 4 years. Why bother?... Read more Read less