Simon Godwin, Associate Director of the National Theatre and at the Royal Shakespeare Company, crossed the pond in 2017 to stage Measure for Measure in Brooklyn. He set this urgent Shakespearean drama in a modern city becoming increasingly authoritarian and hypocritical. This dark comedy about justice, faith, power, sex, harassment and family loyalty engages audiences directly in its clashing arguments. Godwin set the mood of decadence by luring audience members to their seats through underground hallways which he transformed into a preview of Mistress Overdone’s brothel and to the café where Mariana sang. Once in the auditorium, 12 were chosen to sit by the stage as the jury judging the Duke’s descent into corruption and crime. Jonathan Cake, Cara Ricketts and Thomas Jay Ryan starred in a company of 12 actors, masterfully revealing high stakes moral conflicts. 

Monica has backed Simon Godwin in a number of his productions of Shakespeare’s works, starting with one of her favorite plays, Measure for Measure, in 2017. Godwin is now artistic director of the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington, D.C. yet continues his association with NT and TFANA.