The Merchant of Venice

The Merchant of Venice By William Shakespeare Directed by Constantine Costi Season: 18th February - 31st March 2012 Preview night 17th February Friday and Saturday nights at 8pm Sunday matinée at 4.30pm A reading of the play will be held at the Genesian Theatre, 420 Kent St, Sydney on the 10th of November. Auditions by appointment on 14th & 17th of November with call backs on the 21st. For more information contact Con Costi and Michael Costi at merchant@genesiantheatre.com.au or Con on 0408 473 367. Synopsis In Venice wild carnivals are held, money is thrown around and lovers fiendishly disguise themselves. The city and its rollicking citizens are extravagant and verging on the grotesque. Caught in the middle of this whirlwind of scandal and festivity are Antonio and Shylock - bound by a wager of flesh. Shylock is brutally persecuted and made evil. Antonio is disenchanted and recklessly assists Bassanio, trying to find a place in the new world. Characters Antonio: An extremely wealthy & depressed merchant (30+) Shylock: A Jewish businessman (30+) Bassanio: Antonio's friend, in love with Portia (20+) Gratiano: A brash excitable friend of Bassanio's (20+) Lorenzo: Friend of Antonio and Bassanio, who loves Jessica (20+) Portia: A wealthy, intelligent and world weary heiress (20+) Nerissa: Portia's maid and companion (20+) Jessica: Shylock's daughter and in love with Lorenzo (20+)