Print detail event | The Merchant of Venice

The Merchant of Venice

Presented by Austin Shakespeare at Zilker Hillside Theatre

The City of Austin, in coordination with Austin Shakespeare, presents The Merchant of Venice FREE Shakespeare in Zilker Park

Austin Shakespeare will bring the romance, comedy and dramatic clashes of The Merchant of Veniceto the Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater. Produced in collaboration with the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department for the 35^thanniversary year, Shakespeare’s famous play will be performed under the stars from May 9 – May 26 on Thursdays – Sundays at 8pm, with a preview performance on Wednesday, May 8. The Merchant of Venice will be set in the Belle Époque of 1890s Italy, characterized by beautiful women and flashy gentlemen.

The role of Shylock will be played by Marc Pouhé. At the center of the play is the dramatic courtroom conflict between Shylock and Portia (Gwendolyn Kelso), disguised as a male lawyer, battling over “a pound of flesh.” Surprisingly, Shakespeare himself called the play a romantic comedy with its plots of love and mystery. “We often forget that there are three romantic couples by the end of ‘Merchant’. The play will climax with a light-hearted waltzing masquerade.” Directed by Ann Ciccolella.

Austin Shakespeare is a proud member of Actors’ Equity Association.

Dates & Times

Dates: 2019/05/08 - 2019/05/26

Additional time info:

Audience members may put a blanket or low chairs down on the hillside beginning at 6 pm. Smoking, alcohol and glass containers are banned in all city of Austin parks. Dogs are allowed, but must be kept on a leash. The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Zilker Hillside Theater is accessible to all audience members. There are a limited number of chairs available on site and ample places for wheelchairs near the stage. For information about accessibility contact (512) 974-4045.

Parking is available in the surface lots at the entrance to the Park.

There will be an audience talkback after each performance, featuring actors, the director and various specialty experts (designers. dramaturges, academics)