The nonprofit Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts (WCPA) continues its tradition of Shakespeare in the Sangres this weekend.
William Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure continues June 30 – July 2 at the historic Jones Theater, 119 Main Street in Westcliffe.
Show times are 7:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 2:00 p.m. for the Sunday matinee. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $15 for students and active military, and $5 for kids 12 and under. Tickets are available in advance at Candy’s Coffee and Arterburn Fine Arts in Westcliffe, or on the WCPA website at https://jonestheater.com.
Wine and beer will be served outdoors in the “Shakespearience” tent at the Friday and Saturday shows at the Jones Theater (not on Sunday). Those who have come to Shakespeare in the Sangres in the past at the Feedstore Park behind the theater should be advised that the production is in the theater this year, not in the Park.
The adventures of the Duke of Vienna
If it has been a while since high school or you’ve misplaced your Cliff’s Notes for this lesser known work of the master, here is a brief outline provided by the show’s director.
Shana Abe as the Duke of Vienna, McKenzie Huffman as Isabella. Ellen Glover photo
“The Duke of Vienna, who announces he is leaving on a foreign mission, handing power temporarily over to his deputy, Angelo. Instead of leaving, however, the Duke remains in Vienna, watching as Angelo focuses his reformatory zeal on a young man named Claudio, arresting him for unlawful carnal knowledge and condemning him to death.
When Claudio’s sister Isabella, a novice nun about to take her vows, comes to Angelo to plead for her brother’s life, the deputy’s own moral corruption is revealed. The Duke, in disguise, stage-manages the action that follows, and arranges his own form of justice for all parties involved in a suspenseful denouement.”
Themes as relevant today as they were in the seventeenth century
Conflicts of law, justice, and mercy in society dominate our media today – consider the latest rulings from the Supreme Court. And what about sexual politics? Has anything changed in 400 years? Shakespeare’s works and word play can be taken in on many levels; instructive for students and adults and just plain entertaining for the younger set.
Plan your visit
The historic Jones Theater dates to the 1880s. It’s located one hour southeast of Salida along the upper canyon of U.S.50. A quick turn at Cotapaxi on County Road 1A takes you up into the hills of the Wet Mountain Valley with scenic views, cattle ranching, and open country enroute to Westcliffe. It’s a great place to walk around, soak up some history and enjoy a bite especially during this long holiday weekend.
For more information, readers may call the WCPA box office at 719-783-3004
Featured image: The full cast of Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” from Act 5 of the Westcliffe Center for the Performing Arts production. Ellen Glover photo
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