Theater review: Dulaang UP’s ‘Measure for Measure’ an eloquent tale of duplicity, hard choices

“Measure for Measure” was designated one of Shakespeare’s “problem plays” by 18th century scholar F.S. Boas, given that it cannot be readily categorized alongside his comedies, histories or tragedies. It is set in early 17th-century Vienna, a city in the throes of moral decay, where a culture of duplicity persists and the flaws of monarchical power prevail.

Dulaang UP's production opens its 39th season as well as celebrates the Bard’s 450th anniversary. It ran alongside Ron Capindig’s Filipino adaptation, “Hakbang sa Hakbang”, which I found to be more compelling than the English performance.

Director Alexander Cortez rises to the narrative’s challenge by giving life to the inherent intricacy in this dramatic plot that is devoid of a singular hero. Joel Saracho as Escalus and Randy Villarama as Angelo gave stellar performances in the Filipino version. While Mitoy Sta. Ana had a powerful stage presence as the errant Duke Vincentio, his vocalization was not lucid, even as he portrayed Escalus in the English version. Meantime, his alternate in the English performance, Jeremy Domingo, was a potent actor, fully fleshing out the character of the duplicitous ruler who went on a secret vacation only to spy on his kingdom.  

Delphine Buencamino and Cindy Lopez were equally impressive as Isabella, both rendering clearly nuanced portrayals of the novitiate nun whose commitment to chastity and righteousness was challenged by Angelo’s scheming ways. Cedrick Juan was a passionate Claudio, Isabella’s brother who received an inhumane death sentence for simply making pregnant his fiancé.

Providing riveting comic relief was TV actor Jojit Lorenzo as Pompey Bum, the hilarious pimp who works for the brothel of Mistress Overdone, persuasively portrayed by Banaue Miclat.  Similarly, Arkel Mendoza was charming and superb as the cocksure but effeminate Lucio, bringing sustained laughter to the audience amidst the play’s disparate moods.   

The cast's all-white ensembles and wigs—courtesy of Gino Gonzales’ inventive costume design—gave the play the eloquent aura of a tableau vivant. Jethro Joaquin’s sound design was especially conspicuous and light-hearted during the flippant slapstick moments with Pompey and Lucio, whose scenes were artfully choreographed by PJ Rebullida as inspired by the physicality of Italian commedia dell’arte.  

One of the more consummate moments I found was Angelo’s soliloquy, especially as delivered by Randy Villarama. Villarama’s fervent dramatization of Angelo’s inner conflict—of being caught up between base desire and lawful judgment—epitomizes the moral questions threshed out in the play which might bring viewers to rethink about their own standpoints when caught up in real life dramas and dilemmas. Filled with uncertainties occasioned by the duality of its characters—chastity versus lechery, righteousness versus debauchery—“Measure for Measure” is clearly reminiscent of a medieval morality play, which is still relevant to us in contemporary times in that it asks us to look at the uneasy choices that we often have to make in life.

In a world where the lines between vice and virtue have blurred, individual discernment needs to be sharpened for the mind to see what is rightful and benevolent over that which is stained with less-than-noble intentions. We are reminded that the spectacle behind our corruption-infested politics, for instance, whether in Shakespeare’s time or ours, begins in the hearts and minds of a people who have lost their lucid understanding of a life of integrity. And how conflicts in the outside world, as well as the resolutions to them, ultimately have their roots within the human psyche. — BM, GMA News

Measure for Measure/Hakbang sa Hakbang ran from August 20 to September 7 at the Wilfrido Ma. Guerrero Theater, UP Diliman. For more information about Dulaang UP's new season, call 926-1349 and 433-7480 or visit its official Facebook page.