Free Shakespeare in the Park: “Measure for Measure”

A struggle between corruption and virtue. Slander. Deception. Add hypocrisy and abuse of
power and you have Shakespeare’s political tragicomedy, “Measure for Measure”—and you won’t want to miss it. The Town of Exmore is presenting a full-length professional production of this classical tragi-comedy to celebrate Exmore’s 3rd Annual Free Shakespeare in the Park. A popular and anticipated annual event, Exmore’s Free Shakespeare in the Park is presented in partnership with Boston’s Brown Box Theatre Troup. Plays are staged outdoors under the stars in the casual family-friendly setting of the Exmore Town Park. Productions are open to everyone on the ESVA, whether residents or visitors, at no charge.

“This is one way we give back to residents of the Town while elevating the quality of life and the image of our town, our county and the entire ESVA,” said Exmore Mayor Douglas Greer . “Everyone here, local families and tourists, can experience the same high-quality professional theatre in our Town Park as staged in a major theatrical city like New York or Boston, and it’s free.

Although “Measure for Measure” is one of Shakespeare’s less frequently staged works, the play is rich with memorable lines: Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall; What’s mine is yours and what is yours is mine and more. Dated around 1604, this is considered one of Shakespeare’s “problem plays”; with the tone shifting drastically between light comedy and dark tragedy. Take note: there is a happy ending—and a wedding—in the final scenes.

Shakespeare’s plays are part of our cultural heritage. They were written during the time colonization of Virginia was taking place, and Shakespeare, through his plays and poems, has been credited with introducing almost 3,000 words into the English language. Still, these masterworks are not easily accessible to those who live beyond the borders of established urban centers. Working in partnership, the Town of Exmore and the Brown Box Theatre Project are on a mission to change that. “Our vision is to expand the reach of professional performing arts to smaller, more rural communities,” said Kyler Taustin, Brown Box Theatre’s artistic director. “We believe that all people deserve easy access to the
arts and the community benefits that they foster.”

Mayor Greer adds, “These benefits are concrete. They include strengthening the social fabric of communities and adding to the economic vitality of the region. By continuing to bring the classics to life here in our Town Park, we are hoping to establish Exmore as a cultural and entertainment anchor for the Eastern Shore region.”

Last year’s production of “As You Like It” drew an attentive audience of approximately 300. “This year, we anticipate an even larger turnout,” said Mayor Greer. “There’s ample room for twice that in the park. The atmosphere with the backdrop of trees is informal and there are picnic spots, playground areas for children and plenty of space to accommodate large audiences.”

Prior to the 7:30 pm curtain, the Broadwater Academy chorus, under the direction of Ms. Ally Tarwater will be on stage for a free concert that begins at 6:30 pm. To enjoy the evening of entertainment, just bring a lawn chair or blanket. There’s plenty of free parking.

For more information, email [email protected] or check the Town of
Exmore’s Facebook Page, http://tinyurl.com/y8g6lkuq.