Measures for Measures

"The Measure of Measure" by William Shakespeare is one of the most unnecessary, sharp and deep performances of the great dramatist, traditionally referred to to the category of "problem comedies."This is a dark and stressful drama on the mix of a moral example, a political detective and a psychological thriller, exploring the boundaries of power, the power and the price of human mercy. The governor of the city, Duke Winchencio, announces his departure and temporarily transfers power to his deputy Angelou, a man with a perfect reputation known for his asceticity and cruelty. Angelou immediately regains the old, long forgotten laws and condemns the young noble Claudius to death for a good relationship. For his brother comes to ask his sister Isabella, a young, righteous obedient of the monastery. Enemyed by her beauty and mind, the righteous Angelus is tempted and puts Isabelle a monstrous condition: the life of his brother in exchange for her honor. At the same time, the Duke himself, not leaving the city, but dressed in a monastery dress, will observe what is happening from the shadow, preparing his plan of justice. Shakespeare with his own skill preparates the hypocrisy of powers and double morality. “Mera by measure” is an exciting and honest work of how easily the absolute power distorts even the most righteous man, and of the fact that true justice is unthinkable without compassion and forgiveness. Who to read: to the appreciators of the complex and non-trivial Shakespeare story lines, to the lovers of moral and philosophical dramas, as well as to all who are interested in the stories of the struggle for justice, human weaknesses and political intrigues.