Alumna Jacqueline Nwabueze '19 was cast in The Public Theater’s Mobile Unit production of Measure for Measure. Nwabueze understudied Claudio & Elbow in the revival of Shakespeare’s classic play. Directed by LA Williams, the free sit-down run of Measure for Measure followed a three-week tour that brought Shakespeare to audiences who have limited or no access to the arts. This production featured a cast of ten black women playing all of Shakespeare’s classic characters. The cast included Jasmine Batchelor, Nora Carroll, Toccarra Cash, Alfie Fuller, Adrian Kiser, Gabrielle Murphy, LaTonia Phipps, Grace Porter, and Lily Santiago.
The Public's acclaimed Mobile Unit transported communities of the five boroughs to the vibrant streets of New Orleans for this bold new adaptation. It's 1979, Mardi Gras has been officially cancelled and yet the community is still celebrating. Temporarily left in charge by the Duke, the upright and uptight Lord Angelo has decided to crack down on the city's debauchery, arresting young Claudio for impregnating his fiancée Juliet before their wedding. When virtuous Isabella, Claudio's sister, hears of his death sentence, she begs Lord Angelo for mercy. But hypocritical Angelo propositions her instead, leaving Isabella with an impossible choice: save her soul or her brother's life. In this timely production, lovers and leaders in disguise reveal how those in power take advantage of those without it - asking the question, can the law be both just and merciful.
Nwabueze came to the Mobile Unit following a performance of Romeo and Juliet with the Classical Theatre of Harlem where she starred as the title tragic heroine, Juliet. She has also appeared in productions at the Connolly Theatre and Theatre for the New City.
Furthering the mission of making great theater accessible to all, tickets to the Mobile Unit's run at The Public are free and are available via TodayTix mobile lottery and in-person distribution downtown at The Public Theater. On each public performance date, free tickets will be distributed in-person beginning 90 minutes prior to curtain, and via mobile lottery on the TodayTix app. Measure for Measure opened on November 22 and ran through December 8.