FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 15, 2007
PLEASE INCLUDE IN YOUR LISTINGS/ANNOUCEMENTS
MEDIA CONTACT: Alexandra Riccio, ariccio@ryerson.ca, 416.979.5118
Ryerson Theatre School presents
Measure for Measure
By William Shakespeare
Previews February 5th/07
Runs February 6 - 15th Tuesday – Saturday 8 pm
2 pm matinee February 10th & 11th
No show February 12th
www.ryersontheatre.ca
Ryerson Theatre School (RTS) continues its 35th anniversary season with William Shakespeare’s
Measure for Measure. The performance is directed by Michael Waller and features set design
by Glenn Davidson and costume design by Jennifer Triemstra. Measure for Measure previews
February 5th, opens February 6th and runs until the 15th at Ryerson Theatre, 43 Gerrard Street
East. The performances feature the promising talents of the graduating acting class from
Ryerson’s 4-year BFA program.
First staged in 1604 before King James I, Measure for Measure is known as one of Shakespeare’s
darker comedies. The play explores the fine lines between justice and mercy; lust and love;
forgiveness and retribution. This production sets Shakespeare’s story in a future where society
has descended into chaos: humanity has reverted back to survival mode, where laws must be
strictly obeyed and enforced.
When the Duke of Vienna entrusts his deputy Angelo to maintain order while he disguises
himself as a friar in the hopes of better understanding the people he leads, a series of
circumstances is ignited, and lives hang in the balance. Young Isabella, on the verge of joining a
convent, finds herself faced with dilemmas of faith and moral responsibility: her brother’s fate
depends on her decision whether or not to compromise her honour. As other complex characters
come and go, Shakespeare cleverly depicts a cynical society where it is clear that the law comes
above all else – but even the law may change on a whim.
Michael Waller (director) is a Canadian actor, writer, director and teacher, who is a graduate of
Carnegie Mellon University (Acting) and a recipient of the Ken MacDougall Award for Most
Promising Director. He was Assistant Director at the Stratford Festival for three years, and is now
a resident director of Eldritch Theatre Company. Waller has also received two Dora Award
nominations and has written three plays for CBC Radio. Measure for Measure marks his second
RTS directing engagement.
Measure For Measure
Ryerson Theatre, 43 Gerrard St. East
Preview:
Monday, February 5, 8 pm
Runs: Tuesday, February 6, 8 pm
Wednesday, February 7, 8 pm
Thursday, February 8, 8 pm
Friday, February 9, 8 pm
Saturday, February 10, 2 pm
Saturday, February 10, 8 pm
Sunday, February 11, 2 pm
Tuesday, February 13, 8 pm
Wednesday, February 14, 8 pm
Thursday, February 15, 8 pm
Ticket Prices:
$16 regular
$12 students in advance (full price at door)
$12 seniors
$10 groups of eight or more.
For more information on Measure for Measure or tickets please contact the Ryerson Theatre
School Public Relations Office at 416.979.5118 or email rytheatr@ryerson.ca.
www.ryersontheatre.ca