In the powerful and thought provoking play, Shakespeare examines two very different worlds: the fairy tale world of love and romance that is Belmont; and the grim world of hate that surrounds the money lender Shylock in Venice. In both worlds, games are played: Portia's love must be won by the correct choice of Gold, Silver or Lead caskets; Shylock's has his 'jesting' agreement that demands a pound of Antonio's flesh if he fails to repay a loan.

What happens when these two worlds collide? In “The Merchant of Venice”, Shakespeare examines fully and frankly the dangers of brooding hate, intolerance and vengeance and shows that mercy and forgiveness (in all cultures and religions) are truly “attributes of God himself”. A lesson that sadly, our own day and age really needs to learn.

The play is presented simply and economically, allowing us to focus on the characters and themes of the work. This is not so much a play about Judaism versus Christianity, still less an examination of the Jewish problem in 16th century Venice; it is instead a cold hard look at the dangers involved in allowing hatreds to grow and fester, preventing us from truly achieving any kind of peace. With a small group of talented actors, the play is directed by Stephen Lee, who has been producing, acting and studying Shakespeare for more than thirty years.

As the Middle East burns and Libya tumbles into civil war we should really reflect that the only way to exact a pound of flesh, will ultimately always lead to the shedding of blood.

Starring: David Meadows, Cassie Vagliviello, Stephen Lee, Shirley Van Sanden, Angelique Malcolm, Iskandar Sharazuddin, Sarah McKellar and Josh Walker.

Subiaco Arts Centre Studio
180 Hamersley Rd, Subiaco

ONE WEEK ONLY: Sept 6 to 9, 2011 (Tue-Fri)

Performance time: 7.30pm

Special Schools Matinees: Wed 7, Thu 8 & Fri 9 Sept – 10am

BOOKINGS THROUGH BOCS: 9484 1133

School Groups: $19.00 (one teacher’s complimentary ticket for every 15 students)

Also touring metro schools: Aug 29 - Sept 3 (Ring Angelique on 9337 2060 for more details)
Touring the Southwest Sept 12 - 18 (Rung Russell on 0418 161 075 for more details)