The Shakespeare by the Sea returns to Jupiter with "Measure for Measure"

It's summer in Palm Beach County and the Bard is back at the Seabreeze Amphitheatre.

The Palm Beach Shakespeare Festival provides a great way to get outdoors and still beat the worst of the heat. Beginning today and running each evening through Sunday you can head out to Shakespeare by the Sea XXXIII to see their production of William Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure."

Believed to have been written in either 1603 or 1604, this play (originally set in Vienna, but switched to New Orleans in this version) tells of a city teeming with brothels and loose morality.

In the play, the city's governor (the Duke) leaves and places his deputy Angelo in charge. Though reluctant at first, Angelo begins making changes, starts reinstating certain old laws and applying them with a heavy hand. When a young man named Claudio gets the girl he intends to marry, Juliet, pregnant, Angelo arrests him for violating a law that has just been reinstated and sentences him to death.

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Seemingly not adherent to the moral code he is imposing, Angelo offers to spare Claudio's life if Isabella (Claudio's sister) will sleep with him. She, however, is about to become a nun and refuses in order to protect her chastity.

When Isabella threatens to expose Angelo, he tells her no one would believe her.

Back in the city, but in disguise, the governor tells Claudio to prepare for death. In secret, however, he tells Isabella of a plan to save Claudio's life without violating her vows.

Yes, "Measure for Measure" was written more than 400 years ago and is one of the less often performed Shakespeare works, but is it really that dated? Festival artistic director Trent Stephens doesn't think so, noting the dark comedy touches on very current "societal examinations of sexuality, morality, mercy and justice."

In its 33rd season, Shakespeare by the Sea has always strived to find works that have relevance now.

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Each year, the process of choosing the work starts with a selection by Stephens, followed by a discussion with founder and executive producer Kermit Christman and finally technical talks with set designer and lighting technician Daniel Gordon.

For the actors, performing outdoors is a thrill, giving these productions more energy than most indoor performances, said public relations director Elizabeth Dashiell.

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"You are really tapping into the way theater first started," she said, adding that "many of The Bard's works were designed for interaction with the audience."

With Darryl Willis as the governor, Alex Gomez as Angelo, Kyler O'Brien as Claudio and Caroline Dopson as Isabella, expect quite a bit of interaction as some scenes play out with the characters intermingled in the crowd.

The mix is something both actors and audiences love. And don't underestimate Shakespeare's continued ability to draw, said Dashiell. "His themes are relative today because they are focused on humanity." With the exception of the shift of setting, the play has not been altered.

Come for the great performance, but also enjoy some great food that will be on sale.

Reflecting the New Orleans setting, organizers have brought in the gourmet food truck Mr. Shrimp's Cajun Kitchen to complete "The Big Easy" experience.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own beach chairs, blankets, beer and/or wine.

Can't make it this weekend and need that shot of Shakespeare? Don't fret, there will be an encore performance next weekend in Royal Palm Beach.

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If you go

What: Shakespeare by the Sea XXXIII “Measure for Measure”

Where: Carlin Park, Seabreeze Amphitheatre, 750 S. A1A, Jupiter

When: gates open at 6:30 p.m. with shows at 8 p.m. today, Thursday, July 13, Friday, July 14, Saturday, July 15, Sunday, July 16

Cost: Free, but $5 donation recommended

The Shakespeare by the Palms III production of "Measure for Measure," presented by The Village of Royal Palm Beach, will feature the same cast and be performed Thursday, July 20, Friday, July 21, Saturday, July 22 and Sunday, July 23 at Commons Park Amphitheater.

Information: pbshakespeare.org

Eddie Ritz is a journalist at The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. He has lived in the West Palm Beach area for more than 30 years and, from mild to wild, will cover noteworthy community happenings. You can reach him at eritz@pbpost.com. Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Shakespeare by the Sea XXXIII "Measure for Measure" on stage in Jupiter