A performance of the tragi-comedy by the Royal Shakespeare Company.When a young woman is offered the choice of saving a man's life at the price of her own chastity, what should she do? The political and moral corruption of Vienna has driven Duke Vincentio into hiding while his deputy governor, Angelo, is left to revive the old discipline of civic authority.
Angelo's first act is to imprison Claudio, a young nobleman who has gotten his betrothed, Juliet, with child. Under the old laws, this is punishable by death. Angelo next offers Isabella, sister to Claudio and a beautiful young novice about to take her vows, the chance to save her brother's life at the price of her own chastity.
Disguised as a friar, the duke returns to manipulate the players and deliver justice in one of Shakespeare's darkest plays, an examination of the nature of justice and morality.