Warm up this winter with Sydney Shakespeare Festival’s winter showcase: The Merchant of Venice. Bonds of family, friendship, religion and money are put to the test when a bride is won with an enemy's money and the debt must be repaid. Shakespeare’s unsettling comedy kicks off at Newtown Theatre, centrally located in the heart of Sydney’s inner west, on May 26 for three weeks only. Performances are at 8pm Tuesday to Friday and 2pm and 8pm Saturdays until June 13. For all the details visit: www.sydneyshakespearefestival.com.au

Wealthy heiress Portia sets her suitors a challenge. The winner takes her hand and her money, while the losers sacrifice everything. In Venice, city of consumption, speculation and debt, Bassanio borrows money from Antonio to finance his attempt at the challenge. Antonio, in turn, takes out a loan from moneylender Shylock and if he cannot repay the debt, Shylock will take his bond: a pound of Antonio’s flesh. In some of Shakespeare’s most electrifying scenes, competing claims of tolerance, prejudice, justice and mercy are played out. In the character of Shylock, Shakespeare created one of the most unforgettable outsiders in all theatre.

Directed by artistic director and co-founder Julie Baz, The Merchant of Venice features Sydney Shakespeare Festival regulars Richard Hilliar, David Jeffrey, Roger Adam Smith, Milly Stilinovic and Nicole Wineberg, along with newcomers Walter Davis-Hart, Amanda Laing and Jacob Thomas.

Sydney Shakespeare Festival is “a precious addition to the scant presence of Shakespeare in Sydney” (Australian Stage). In its second year, and venturing indoors for the first time, the festival is fast becoming a permanent fixture on Sydney’s social calendar. “Shakespeare’s plays have captured the imagination of millions of people throughout the world for over 400 years and are as exciting and provocative now as the day they were written,” said Baz.

Sydney Shakespeare Festival, in association with Newtown Theatre, presents:

The Merchant of Venice
Written by William Shakespeare

Directed by Julie Baz
Designed by David Jeffrey
Featuring: Walter Davis-Hart, Richard Hilliar, David Jeffrey, Amanda Laing, Roger Adam Smith, Milly Stilinovic, Jacob Thomas, Nicole Wineberg
Production manager: Cherilyn Price

Dates: 26 May – 13 June 2009
Times: 8pm Tues-Fri, 2pm & 8pm Sat
Venue: Newtown Theatre, Cnr King & Bray Sts, Newtown
Tickets: $25 full, $20 concession, $15 school students
Bookings: www.sydneyshakespearefestival.com.au/tickets.html
Website: www.sydneyshakespearefestival.com.au