Janus finds signs of the times in Shakespeare's 'Measure for Measure'

In a Fox Valley premiere, the Janus Theatre Company will present "Measure for Measure" by William Shakespeare.

The production opens this weekend and runs Fridays through Sundays until Sept. 9 at the Elgin Art Showcase on the eighth floor of the Professional Building, 164 Division St., Elgin.

Artistic director Terry Domschke directs this dark comedy, making it the first Shakespeare production for the theater. The Elgin director has set the play in pre-war Vienna during the 1920s, a time when politics, morality and law competed to impose order on a fading older world.

Shakespeare's "Measure for Measure," a story more than 400 years old, still appeals to contemporary audiences.

"The play has been considered a 'problem play,' which has been performed more and more recently," said producer Sean Hargadon.

After years of corruption in Vienna, Lord Angelo is put in charge by the Duke. The Duke, who has supposedly left town, stays around in disguise and secretly watches the machinations of Angelo as he wields his power.

Angelo attempts to enforce laws that are already on the books, using his perceived moral superiority and a heavy hand. It's a question of whether he will serve the state for the better, or will he succumb to the same corruption that he tries to change?

"This is the first time, I believe, that the work has been produced in the Fox Valley," Hargadon said.

"We wanted to do the Shakespeare outside what most people associate with his work -- stodgy and outdated themes. The story has muscularity, power and energy and is contemporary in its flavor with its manipulative, shadowy characters."

The story, with its twists, deceits and familial dilemmas, keeps audiences intrigued and entertained.

Domschke has trained and worked as an actor and director in England, Germany and the Netherlands. For many seasons, he was the artistic director for the Renaissance Repertory in Geneva, along with Synquest Theatre and the Watch Theatre Company in Elgin.

He has held that position with the Janus Theatre since its inception.

Domschke has directed numerous Shakespeare productions, including "Romeo and Juliet," "Love's Labour's Lost," "A Midsummer Night's Dream," "Twelfth Night" and "The Tempest." He also is professor emeritus for Elgin Community College, where he was director of theater for many years.

Allison Wadleigh of Elgin is stage manager. The majority of the actors and crew are local as well, and Hargadon himself has three minor roles in the production.

Performances are at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays, starting this weekend through Sept. 9. There is no show Sept. 2.

Tickets are $15, $12 for students and seniors and $10 each for groups of 10 or more. For reservations, call (847) 931-0637. For details, visit www.janustheatre.org.