by Laura A. Brodin

In their first annual “Shakespeare-in-the-Raw” production, the Theatre Cooperative in Somerville will be presenting Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” as a play that is particularly relevant to today’s political climate.

“As the presidential election looms on the horizon, as the Patriot Act’s radical re-interpretation of civil rights proceeds, and as governments struggle with their role in defining marriage, one question emerges: What role does a government have in its citizens’ lives?” said Lesley Chapman, artistic director of the Theatre Cooperative and the director of new production.

“We are a socially inquisitive theatre,” she said.

“Almost 400 years ago William Shakespeare wrote Measure for Measure, a play which sets this question, like a feast, before its audience,” Chapman said.

“The Duke of Vienna mysteriously takes his leave of the city, leaving the government in the hands of his Deputy. This strict new ruler decides to rid the city of unseemly behavior by enforcing ancient and outmoded laws with capital punishment,” she said.

“The citizens of Vienna make various attempts to adjust to the immovable law, as the absent’ duke looks on in disguise,” she said.

“But when the rigid new ruler yields to an unexpected temptation, a deadly game begins that will bring dark deeds to light,” she said.

“The Coop’s production features an ethnically diverse cast, as well as several major male roles which have been re-drawn as women,” she said.

Chapman said, “In this way, a play that probes the many and varied levels of sexual intimacy, commitment, abuse, harassment, and consequences breaks out of a narrow heterosexual framework, and sheds unexpected light on issues of primary importance to the citizens of Massachusetts, New England, and the nation as a whole.”

“Shakespeare-in-the-Raw presents the Bard in his essence, unfettered and free to focus on the richness of his language and the timelessness of his story,” she said.

Measure for Measure will be playing at The Theatre Cooperative on 277 Broadway from Aug. 6 to 15. Tickets are $15.