Ep 3. Measure for Measure with Romola Garai

In Shakespeare Uncovered season 3 episode 3, Romola Garai takes viewers on a journey through Measure for Measure, one of Shakespeare’s most complex plays. Through interviews with actors, directors, and scholars, Garai delves into the play’s themes of power, morality, and justice.

At the heart of the play is the character of Angelo, a strict judge tasked with imposing the law of Vienna. When he condemns a young man to death for impregnating his fiancée, he is given a chance to redeem himself by offering leniency to the man’s sister, Isabella, a novice nun. Angelo demands that Isabella sleep with him in exchange for her brother’s life, setting in motion a complex web of deceit and manipulation.

Garai explores the nuances of these characters and their motivations, speaking with actors including Harriet Walter, who played Isabella in a 1998 production, and also with the director Joe Hill-Gibbins. She also delves into the historical context of the play, discussing the parallels between the world of Measure for Measure and the political and social climate of Shakespeare’s time.

Throughout the episode, Garai asks the important questions about Measure for Measure, such as what it means to truly be virtuous and whether justice can ever really be served. With insights from experts such as Shakespearean scholar Sir Jonathan Bate and theologian Dr. Rowan Williams, Garai presents a fascinating look at one of Shakespeare’s most challenging works.

Ultimately, viewers will come away with a renewed appreciation for the intricacies and relevance of Measure for Measure, as well as a greater understanding of Shakespeare’s enduring legacy.