The Merchant of Venice
By William Shakespeare
Adapted and Directed by Peter Robel
Produced by Thomas J. Samorian
Played at BoHo Theatre @ Heartland Studio
July 25, 2008 through August 24, 2008.
The Merchant of Venice, set against a backdrop of high stakes finance and high stakes romance, told the tale of long time enemies, two opposing cultures, two beautiful women and one pound of flesh woven into a tale of old-worn hatreds, new-found loves, long-time friendships and family betrayals.
While generally considered a comedy, The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare’s most grippingly dramatic plays. When Antonio defaults on a loan for his friend with romantic ambitions, the bitter lender Shylock demands a “pound of flesh” in payment. The legal crisis can only be resolved by a beautiful heroine disguised as a judge. This theatrical feast is rich with intriguing characters that show us how love and forgiveness can bridge the gaps between moral ideals and their imperfect human renderings.
The Merchant of Venice abounded in imagery that centers on deception, vice, and human weakness–and fittingly so. After all, the central characters in the drama are all deeply flawed or disturbed, exhibiting prejudice, hatred, greed, desire for revenge, depression, ignorance.
In today’s climate of blurred vision between being cautious and afraid, this BoHo production of The Merchant of Venice mirrored how one reacts and responds to the misgivings (and mistreating) of others.
"Robel's production manages to highlight BoHo's
greatest strength ... a dewy crop of young talent."
-- Christopher Piatt, TimeOut Chicago (****)
"Bohemian Theatre Ensemble delivers another fine production."
-- Web Behrens, Chicago Free Press (Recommended)
"Most effectively ... Robel and Co. avoid the spoonful of
"can't we all get along" sugar many directors tend to add."
-- Kay Daly, Chicago Tribune (Recommended)
"This (is an) ultra-streamlined and fast-moving adaptation,
cut to the bone by director Peter Robel."
-- Dennis Palkow --NewCity Chicago (Highly Recommended)
"The BoHo production of The Merchant of Venice
is an adrenaline rush."
-- Ruth Smerling, SteadStyle Chicago (Highly Recommended)
By William Shakespeare
Adapted and Directed by Peter Robel
Produced by Thomas J. Samorian
Played at BoHo Theatre @ Heartland Studio
July 25, 2008 through August 24, 2008.
The Merchant of Venice, set against a backdrop of high stakes finance and high stakes romance, told the tale of long time enemies, two opposing cultures, two beautiful women and one pound of flesh woven into a tale of old-worn hatreds, new-found loves, long-time friendships and family betrayals.
While generally considered a comedy, The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare’s most grippingly dramatic plays. When Antonio defaults on a loan for his friend with romantic ambitions, the bitter lender Shylock demands a “pound of flesh” in payment. The legal crisis can only be resolved by a beautiful heroine disguised as a judge. This theatrical feast is rich with intriguing characters that show us how love and forgiveness can bridge the gaps between moral ideals and their imperfect human renderings.
The Merchant of Venice abounded in imagery that centers on deception, vice, and human weakness–and fittingly so. After all, the central characters in the drama are all deeply flawed or disturbed, exhibiting prejudice, hatred, greed, desire for revenge, depression, ignorance.
In today’s climate of blurred vision between being cautious and afraid, this BoHo production of The Merchant of Venice mirrored how one reacts and responds to the misgivings (and mistreating) of others.
"Robel's production manages to highlight BoHo's
greatest strength ... a dewy crop of young talent."
-- Christopher Piatt, TimeOut Chicago (****)
"Bohemian Theatre Ensemble delivers another fine production."
-- Web Behrens, Chicago Free Press (Recommended)
"Most effectively ... Robel and Co. avoid the spoonful of
"can't we all get along" sugar many directors tend to add."
-- Kay Daly, Chicago Tribune (Recommended)
"This (is an) ultra-streamlined and fast-moving adaptation,
cut to the bone by director Peter Robel."
-- Dennis Palkow --NewCity Chicago (Highly Recommended)
"The BoHo production of The Merchant of Venice
is an adrenaline rush."
-- Ruth Smerling, SteadStyle Chicago (Highly Recommended)
The Merchant of Venice
featured:
Stacie Folgers, Christina Hall,
Adam Kander, Charles Riffenburg IV,
David Roche, Justine Serino,
Eric Damon Smith, Ryan Swikle,
and Fred Wellisch as Shylock.
featured:
Stacie Folgers, Christina Hall,
Adam Kander, Charles Riffenburg IV,
David Roche, Justine Serino,
Eric Damon Smith, Ryan Swikle,
and Fred Wellisch as Shylock.
Copyright © 2008 BoHo Theatre All Rights Reserved
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You'll LOVE what's in store!
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