Shakespeare in the Park: Hamlet and The Merchant of Venice

Overview

Did you know that apart from the Bible, Hamlet is the most often-quoted work in the English language? This year Shoreside Theatre's Shakespeare programme will alternate each evening between this, the bard's most celebrated work, and the wicked little comedy The Merchant of Venice.

Hamlet explores the struggles of a young man trying to find his place in a family disturbed as much by political events as by relationships. His mother’s speedy re-marriage to his uncle after his father’s death throws him into dual turmoil; he is barred from becoming king while also being forced to accept his uncle as a surrogate father. When Hamlet’s father appears as a ghost his son is commanded to take revenge.

The Merchant of Venice is set in a close-knit community but at its centre is Shylock the moneylender and Antonio the merchant who are desperately solitary figures in their longstanding hatred for one another. When Shylock sees an opportunity to exact revenge he grabs it. In nearby Belmont Portia is morally bound to respect her late father's wishes despite how disagreeable they may be. In both cases the storyline is driven by the protagonists quest for justice and revenge.

You know that it just isn't summer without a bit of Shakespeare in the park so grab a rug and some cheese and crackers and head along to both or one of these shows.