Shakespeare’s most provocative play takes the stage in an all-female production that lets the original text speak—sharp, witty, and uncomfortably timely. When Vienna’s long-ignored morality laws are suddenly enforced, a young novice named Isabella finds herself caught between silence and sacrifice. 
UNCW Theatre is producing an all-women’s version of Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure as part of the Riot Grrrls series. The production takes on patriarchy, justice, and abuse of power — themes that feel especially urgent right now — with women playing every role.
What makes this especially compelling is that it gives young women the chance to play roles they wouldn’t normally get to touch in Shakespeare — judges, dukes, corrupt officials, and even clowns. Seeing those female voices and bodies in parts written for men changes the way the story lands.
Performances are 7:30pm Thursday-Saturday, and 2:00pm Sunday, from September 25-28, and October 2-5, 2025.