Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival's Measure for Measure was directed by Fontaine Syer. It is a production that illustrated just how problematic Shakespeare's "problem plays" can be.

Syer revolves the story around Vienna of 1900. It a city known for its cultural game, blossoming as a center of art and design. It also sees the publication of Freud's The Interpretation of Dreams.

The first act of Angelo is to sentence to death Claudio. He is a gentleman who impregnated his betrothed. Angelo asks Claudio's sister Isabella, if she wants to save her brother's life by trading her virginity. Isabella (Erin Partin) is a young nun who begs for Claudio's life.

A struggle between restraint and release was lingered by Syer. It represents a fight against human's natural urges, id versus superego.

The play was boldly staged by Fontaine Syer and superbly designed by designed by Bob Phillips (sets), Thom Weaver (lighting), Marla Jurglanis (costumes) and Matthew Given (sound). It was presented as a city engaged in criminal and lecherous activities.

The beauty of this production lied in its lack of answers. The play was written, when Shakespeare's emotional universe had grown darker by 1604, despite his urge to entertain the audience.