ABSTRACT
Measure for Measure gives a shifting answer to the simplest of questions. It is hard to be equivocal over the standing of the major Shakespearean parts; the ratings are confirmed on an exchange over four centuries. The doctrine of 'unripe time' must have prevailed, though, and no full-scale assault on the Duke was mounted in the 1960s. The only Stratford production of Measure for Measure was John Blatchley's, in 1962. Marius Goring, who played Angelo his only Stratford engagement that season was the leading actor, and got most of the reviewing space. His 'sincere puritan' focused a traditional view of the play. Julius Caesar is probably considered a rather better part than in the past a miniaturized major role, rather than a decent middle-order role. An actor might fairly hesitate between Laertes and Horatio, or choose Caliban over Prospero.
