William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, which debuts Oct. 2 at Neely Auditorium at Vanderbilt University, is a chilling dark comedy of new love and old hatreds.
In the world of this play, society’s insatiable pursuit of social standing and acquired wealth drives the action. “Everyone wants to aspire, believing happiness is obtainable by feeding one’s heart’s desire,” said Terryl Hallquist, director of the play and associate professor of theatre. “Commerce, currency and one-upmanship dominate in Venice, regardless of friendship, familial ties or human decency, until a broken heart demands a pound of flesh for its solace.”
The play explores relationships between friends, lovers, parents and children, alternating between serious and comic tones. It challenges a modern audience to question its motives and review its response to prejudice and fear. “Productions of classics invariably reflect our present times,” said Hallquist. “This one begs the question: How far do we go to satisfy a longing, to win?”
The Merchant of Venice will be performed at 8 p.m. Oct. 2, 3, 8, 9, and 10 and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 4. Admission is $10 for the general public, $7 for graduate and professional students, and free for undergraduates with Vanderbilt identification.
For more information about the 2009-2010 Vanderbilt Theatre Season, visit http://vanderbilt.edu/theatre/currentseason.
Media contact: Missy Pankake, (615) 322-NEWS
missy.pankake@vanderbilt.edu