Fall Shakespeare announced

The 2002 GVSU Shakespeare Festival will present The Merchant of Venice as its feature production, with 11 performances running September 27 through October 6.

First staged in 1598, the play sets a generous and clear-sighted woman, Portia, in sharp contrast to a memorable but markedly antisocial man, Shylock. In spite of the drama provided by Shylock and his attempts at revenge against his persecutors, The Merchant of Venice is a comedy, and romantic as well. A truly spellbinding play ¿ and provocative in its inquiry of grief bred of hatred ¿ The Merchant of Venice is a classic that GVSU is proud to present, says GVSU Theatre professor Karen Libman, who will direct the production.

Tickets go on sale at the end of August at the GVSU Box Office, 895-2300.