Merchant of Venice – Shakespeare Youth Festival

The Lost Studio
130 S. La Brea Ave., Los Angeles, 90036; (323) 319-3597
Friday, April 1 – Sunday, April 10, 2011
Fridays at 7:30 p.m.; Saturdays at 4:30 p.m.
Ages: 7 and up
Cost: $10
Website

MERCHANT OF VENICE – In 16th century Venice, when a merchant must default on a large loan from a moneylender for a friend with romantic ambitions, the bitterly vengeful creditor demands a gruesome payment instead. The Players explore discrimination, revenge and intolerance by “color-coding” references to religion (reds versus goldens).

Young people are especially encouraged to attend the show to experience Shakespeare in this unique way: as performed professionally by their peers. The young Players, ages 6 through 14, explore themes that are as current today as they were in the 1600s.