Measure for Measure

Conceptual Design Pennsylvania State University Fall 2024

Playwright: William Shakespeare

Set Designer: Sarah Bidini

This rendition of Measure for Measure is set in 17th-century Amsterdam in a time of power exchange between the Catholics and Protestants. I use themes of religious corruption and loss of autonomy to drive the structural and color choices for the set. Historical context and textual analysis work together to create an environment of encroaching religious morals and the negative effects they can have as they trickle down the chain of power. These design choices are most literally displayed through the statues atop the center arch which are inspired by the relief sculpture above the entrance of The Spinhuis in Amsterdam; a historic convent turned forced labor camp for ‘subversive’ women. Additionally, by utilizing various levels throughout the set I allow the structure of power among the characters to be accurately displayed.

Design Process