Department of Theatre and Dance stages Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure”

SAN MARCOS – The Department of Theatre and Dance at Texas State University will stage William Shakespeare’s "Measure for Measure" Feb. 11-16 in the Performing Arts Center.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Feb. 11-15, with a 2 p.m. matinee Feb. 16.

Director Chuck Ney presents a version of the play transposed to a contemporary setting. When the Duke of Vienna, played by Jeremiah Porter, finds his city caught in a moral free fall, he hands over power to his personnel assistant, Angelo, played by Chris Frey, who enforces long-dormant codes of chastity with zealous fervor. But when an aspiring nun, Isabella, played by Aubrey Clyburn, comes to plead for the life of her condemned brother, Angelo gives in to his own unholy desires and exposes the political and moral corruption that pollutes the entire city. The Duke, disguised as a friar, secretly watches the city’s turmoil and attempts to fix the challenges his departure created.

Ney has directed at the Kennedy Center, Illinois Shakespeare Festival, Texas Shakespeare Festival, Idaho Repertory Theatre and Manhattan Clearing House. His production of “Richard III” received seven nominations from the Austin Circle of Critics and his production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was named one of the 10 best productions of 2014.

Admission is $17 for adults and $8 for Texas State students. Tickets are available by phone at (512) 245-6500 or online at www.txstatepresents.com.

Parking is available in the Edward Gary Street Garage, 405 N. Edward Gary Street, for $8 at www.txstatepresents.com or at the box office window the night of the event.