Theatre II kicks off semester

By Megan Williams, a&e editor
Posted on September 17, 2007

The first experimental theatre production of the season is “The Merchant of Venice,” and will be performed this week at Theatre II.

“The Merchant of Venice” is the story of a Christian merchant named Antonio and a Jewish merchant named Shylock. Antonio and his friend Bassanio find themselves in a financial bind and approach Shylock for a loan. Shylock, who holds a long-standing grudge against Antonio for his constant berating of Shylock and other Jews, agrees and makes a pact with Antonio stipulating that if Antonio cannot repay Shylock, he will owe him a pound of flesh. Add to this women disguised as men and lovers who are seeking proposals, the events in “The Merchant of Venice” are hilariously absurd.

After a month-long preparation the actors are feeling confident.

“We’ve had a few bumps here and there,” said sophomore Brandon Shockney, who plays Grazino. “But we’ve pushed past that and everyone has put a lot of effort into the play.”

All Theatre II productions are student produced, directed and performed. “The Merchant of Venice” will be performed  Sept. 17-20 at 8 p.m., with a midnight showing on Saturday Sept. 22. Tickets are $3 and can be purchased two hours before the show at the door. Theatre II is located on South Main St. beside Kinko’s.