The Merchant of Venice

Overview

Everyone likes a bit of Shakespeare in the springtime, especially in an outdoor arena. There’s something about the old-school storylines, language and costumes that just seems right being viewed in natural surroundings. For their 2011 season, the Queensland Shakespeare Ensemble are bringing to life The Merchant of Venice the way it was meant to be seen.

Performing in the Roma Street Parklands Amphitheatre, the audience is seated on-stage with the story coming to life around them. If both the seating and Shakespeare’s words haven’t been enough to reel you in, then hear ye, hear ye. It’s directed by major international Shakespeare director Curt L. Tofteland, and stars the senior drama lecturer from the University of Queensland, Dr Rob Pensalfini.

If studying Shakespeare in year 12 made you want to pull out your hair, I feel seeing this production would change you into a lover of The Bard. The show’s season also runs for two and a half weeks so you have plenty of time to catch it.