Actors From The London Stage
presents The Merchant of Venice

7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, October 10 and 11
Schwab Auditorium

Wanting to belong is a powerful force. It drives us to search for love, strive for fortunes, rail against injustice, and embrace happiness. The Merchant of Venice, William Shakespeare’s provocative comedy, begins with Bassanio’s quest for Portia. Funded by an ill-conceived loan, the road to true love will not be smooth. When plans go awry, betrayal and anger face off against a cry for compassion and a cunning lawyer in disguise. In the end, all are left to question justice, love, and the length to which we will go to fit in. Renowned British actor Patrick Stewart founded Actors From The London Stage, one of the most respected touring Shakespeare companies. The players come from prestigious companies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, Royal National Theatre of Great Britain, and Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre. Clever staging — using minimal props, costumes, and sets —showcases the talents of a five-member ensemble in which each actor portrays multiple characters while keeping the focus on Shakespeare’s timeless words.