Rubio, John Kenneth V.

2012-46175

Communication 3
Sir Neil Kenneth Jamandre
The Agony in Duality of Nature

Englands one of the most talented dramatist, poet, and playwright William Shakespeare
has generated enormous amount of respect and admiration through his marvelous works of art.
However, I must admit that, as much as I like watching movies and reading novels, I have never
before seen a production or read the plot of his play Measure for Measure. Thus, I was not all
familiar with the story. Fortunately, after paying attention to Director Alexander C. Cortezs
impressive work of art, I wonder why productions like this are not done more. Indeed, this
production has captured the reality that life is two-faced, as are inevitably those who live it.
The play itself can be described as dark and problematic with a light tone of comedy as
we see the characters under the pressure of darkness, uncertainty, and separation from one
another. Moreover, it can also be noticed that there are many deceptions and disguises in the
play. For example, Duke Vincentio is parading around the town as a friar; Angelo masks his true
nature when he pretends to be honorable on the outside but turns out to be a lustful hypocrite;
the switching over of Isabella with Mariana to sleep with Angelo; and, the decapitated head that
the characters thought was Claudios. Moreover, it seems to me that the characters are more
concerned about what will happen to them after death as what happens to them in life. Although
the characters are shrouded in darkness, it can be said that love triumphs over challenges when
Isabella saved his brother Claudio from an impending death; Mariana overcome obstacles to be
with his ex-fianc Angelo; and Claudio being with his baby and soon-to-be wife Juliet. In any
case, the staircase is a handy metaphor for overcoming obstacles.
Designed by Faust Peneyra, the setting is not as inappropriate as one would expect. In
fact, the stage design is stylish and intimidating, providing the atmosphere of being in Vienna
during the 16th century: an open staircase with a prison fenced with wrought wires underneath
the balcony, drums of rum, and chandeliers. However, the stage itself is too small for many
characters on stage at once. Thus, the choreography was somehow limited. On the other hand,
they could have been surrounded by more stimulating and inspiring costumes, stage lighting
and music by adding more color to the costumes and frequent costume change. For instance,
all of the characters are dressed in the same cream and white outfit in all the duration of the
production, except for Vincentio who changes attire from being the Duke of Vienna and Friar
Lodowick. In contrast, I was impressed by achieving the 16th17th century historical big hair
wigs, unusual yet fashionable for both men and women. Also, there is the feeling of the
structures collapsing every time numerous members of the cast perform a choreography inbetween conversations or scenes. Although, having set modifications for every change of
scene has added to the mood of the production. Every scene has a set change of mostly
furniture, such as desks, chandeliers, and benches. Moreover, the production is full of music,
giving opportunity for live music and dancing. Every scene has a different music that gives
different atmosphere; even some conversations have sound effects. With music as a piece,
interpretative dances were made during some conversations to express the situation of the
society. In a scene when Duke Vincentio and Angelo were talking, a man and a woman at the
balcony display, through a short performance, the deprivation that leads to despair when they
even sell their bodies for money.
In terms of communication elements, the actors carry the production and have a good
pace. However, some of the characters sometimes swiftly converse with one another that they
eat the words they were saying. Shakespeare proved, through Measure for Measure, that

words are powerful. For instance, the Duke speaks with formal language, exactly what we might
expect of a ruling, regal character. His enunciation is quite elegant in some places as well. The
Duke captured my attention when his actions did not meet his words, i.e. when he insisted on
leaving the town, though he stayed by disguising himself as a friar. Thus, there is a conflict
between words and actions. Moreover, Lucio, a lenient man, uses words as instruments to
damage people's characters, particularly the Duke. It is also worth noting that there are scenes
wherein the characters, such as The Duke, Isabella, or Angelo, are talking to themselves. It
looks like they are only thinking aloud but actually providing the audience a perception of their
thoughts. In terms of non-verbal communication, the characters did not fail to express
themselves through body gestures and facial expressions. There is one thing that confused me
about the play that is the revelation of Duke Vincentio that he has feelings for Isabella, i.e. if the
Duke had feelings for Isabella, this would have to be done by facial expression or gesture in the
earlier of the play, though the audience where left astonished.
Now, in order for the listeners to understand every part of the play, communication must
be established. When speech is effective, you achieve communication. The point of
communication is to get the message across the audience. Meaning, it is not the use of
flamboyant words or how extravagant the speaker delivers his speech that achieves
communication. Communication is achieved if the audience clearly understood the message
being relayed. Indeed, a speaker can be fancy with his speech but the audience cannot
understand him. Thus, efficacy is communication established.