It’s a boy!

The new prince has arrived at last. Such a tiny scrap of humanity, and yet already people are predicting what his life will be like. A huge weight of expectation rests on his tiny shoulders – how will he measure up?

Judging others & being judged

It doesn’t seem fair that so many judgements are passed on people in the public arena, yet they are. Indeed, we do it all the time ourselves. Often about others, but sometimes about ourselves too.
Perhaps you are waiting for exam results which will let you see how you compare to others. For good or bad, how we think we’ve done doesn’t always tally with how we are assessed by others!

A perspective from Shakespeare

In many of his dramas, Shakespeare examines the gaps between how people see themselves and how others perceive them; at a character’s public presentation of themselves and the reality. This theme is particularly foregrounded in Shakespeare’s ‘problem’ play, Measure for Measure.

Angelo lays down the law, but doesn’t bear examination himself. Can his hypocrisy be shown up by the virtues of Isabella? Is anyone able to shine light into the dark recesses of his heart? At a deeper level the play questions whether any of us have the right to judge another?

Measure for Measure productions

This summer you can still catch some productions of Measure for Measure (see below). If you are studying the play at A Level, there’s also a handy new Measure for Measure study plan (as part of the Crossref-it.info English Literature app for the Google Chrome browser) to help you work through the plot and the issues it presents.

After engaging with the play we might just hold back a little more from criticising or condemning those we know, or those in the public eye. We might just give Baby Cambridge a chance….

Productions

• Steam Industry in association with the Union Theatre and Rosendale Productions. Union Theatre, Southwark, 2 - 27 July.  www.uniontheatre.biz
• Bournemouth Shakespeare Players. Priory House Garden, Christchurch, 16 – 27 July (01202 534779) www.bshakespearep.btinternet.co.uk
• Cotswold Arcadians. Hatherop Castle, Gloucestershire, 29 July – 3 August (01285 898 019). www.arcadians.org
• Oxford Theatre Guild. North Wall Theatre, Oxford, 23 – 26 October (check website for ticket information).  www.oxfordtheatreguild.com