Performance Location

SPARC Center for the Performing Arts

2106-A North Hamilton Street • Richmond, Virginia 23230

“All that glisters is not gold”

A mysteriously melancholy and wealthy merchant, a desperate young lover in need of cash, a moneylender with good reason to seek revenge and a clever young woman with a knack for disguise are the elements of Shakespeare’s sparkling and troubling tragicomedy. Set in modern day Venice, where all nations meet and the clash of cultures can lead to startling violence, this play has been arousing controversies, social as well as literary, for centuries. This bold interpretation explores the play’s still relevant themes of mercy and justice.

2011 -12 Fourth Wall Talk-Back Series

Sunday, October 2nd & 9th

Immediately following the 2pm performance

Sunday, October 2^nd

Political correctness as the new prejudice?

Of all Shakespeare's plays, one of the most difficult to revive is The Merchant of Venice, with its considerable anti-Semitism. Issues of race and prejudice are very much alive in today’s world, however, the recent emergence of political correctness offers a new facet to the discussion. How has this new mode of thinking affected our own prejudice against those “less correct” than ourselves?

Sunday, October 9^th

Shakespeare's law versus current law.

The Merchant of Venice has spawned more commentary by lawyers than any other play. Join us as we discuss the fundamental issues of law and equity and how Shakespeare’s most famous courtroom scene might play out in today's world!

Show Dates

Thurs 09/22/11 8pm (preview)

Fri 09/23/11 8pm (opening night)

Sat 09/24/11 8pm

Thurs 09/29/11 8pm

Fri 09/30/11 8pm

Sat 10/01/11 8pm

Sun 10/02/11 2pm

Thurs 10/06/11 8pm

Fri 10/07/11 8pm

Sat 10/08/11 8pm

Sun 10/09/11 2pm

Thurs 10/13/11 8pm

Fri 10/14/11 8pm

Sat 10/15/11 8pm

10 am Student Shows 

Thurs 09/29/11 10am

Tues 10/04/11 10am

Thurs 10/06/11 10am

Tues 10/11/11 10am

Call our Box Office at (804) 340-0115 to reserve student shows

Fourth Wall Talk Back Series

Sunday, October 2nd & 9th

Immediately following the 2pm performance

"....fast-paced, lavish wordage....the play still packs a girl power punch!" -Lauren Grant, RVANews

http://rvanews.com/entertainment/hath-you-no-plans-this-weekend-catchthe-merchant-of-venice-at-henley-street/51454

"Henley Street's gutsy reimagining is a unique opportunity to see this classic." -Dave Timberline, Style Weekly

http://www.styleweekly.com/richmond/the-payoff/Content?oid=1618869

Another wonderful review for The Merchant of Venice! Click below to hear Joan Tupponce's take on the show. Don't miss this fresh look of Shakespeare's most challenging play!

http://ideastations.org/radio/archive/2011-09-30-merchant-of-venice-first-rate-production

“A remarkable production” – Susan Haubenstock Richmond Times Dispatch

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/entertainment/arts-literature/2011/sep/25/tdobit03-theater-review-the-merchant-of-venice-ar-1334837/

CAST

Kim Jones-Clark

Jeff Clevenger

Lauren Davis

Keydron Dunn

Adrian Grantz

Stacie Rearden Hall

Doug Jones

Greg Joubert

Brendan Kennedy

Dennis Kiker

Kerry McGee

Adam Mincks

Phil Vollmer

Liz Blake White