TUCSON, AZ – The Merchant of Venice takes us on a journey into the best and worst of human nature. Portia remains one of Shakespeare’s strongest heroines and Shylock represents a crowning achievement in dramatic literature. Containing some of the most beautiful language ever written, The Merchant of Venice offers us a chance to spend time in the presence of a genius who continues to hold, as it were, a mirror where we can view ourselves.
Director Brent Gibbs observes, “The Merchant of Venice is a study in contrasts. Hatred vies with love, mercy duels with cruelty, and the good in this world struggles against the evil that people carry within their hearts. But this play is a study in contrast in other ways too. Hilarious comedy gives way to searing drama as romantic passages collide with bitter truths, and through it all, Shakespeare steers the way with his stunning language and poignant observations of both the beautiful possibilities and the ugly shortfalls of human nature.”
Gibbs is proud to be directing his 19th Shakespeare production at Arizona Repertory Theatre. In this latest creation, he guides our talented students through one of the Bard’s most complicated and powerful creations to give audiences a fascinating night at the theatre.
Dates & Times:
Previews: Mar 12-13 at 7:30pm
Evenings: March 14-17, March 22-24, Mar 30-31 at 7:30pm
Matinees: Mar 18, Mar 24-25, Apr 1 at 1:30pm
Place: Tornabene Theatre on the UA campus located near the SE corner of Park Avenue and Speedway Boulevard.
Cost/Admission: Regular $28, Senior/UA Employee/Military $26, Student $15, Preview $17, Alumni discount $6 off qualifying rate | Deeper discounts apply to groups (other than students) numbering 10+. UA Student Rush 30 minutes before each performance is $10 cash only for available seats (must show CatCard).
Ticket Information: UA Fine Arts Box Office, (520) 621-1162
12p-4p | M-F | theatre.arizona.edu | tftv.arizona.edu | tickets.arizona.edu
Parking: Park Avenue Garage, located on Park Avenue just north of Speedway Blvd. Pre-paid parking is available for weekday evening performances. Saturday and Sunday there is no charge to park. If you have special needs for parking, please call UA Parking & Transportation Services at (520) 621-3550.
Media Contact: Julie Vance, (520) 626-2686, julievance@email.arizona.edu
Production Sponsor: Pat Engels & Richard Medland
