Measure for Measure

　　Since the rediscovery of Elizabethan stage conditions earlythis century, admiration for Measure for Measure has steadilyrisen. It is now a favourite with the critics and has attractedwidely different styles of performance. At one extreme, the play isseen as a religious allegory; at the other, it has been interpretedas a comedy protesting against power and privilege. Brian Gibbonsfocuses on the unique tragi-comic experience of watching the play,the intensity and excitement offered by its dramatic rhythm, thereversals and surprises which shock the audience even to the end.His introduction considers how the play's critical reception andstage history have varied according to prevailing social, moral andreligious issues, which have remained highly sensitive. Thisupdated edition contains a new introductory section by AngelaStock, which describes recent stage, film and criticalinterpretations, and an updated reading list.