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TCC Theatre presents Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice,” April 8-16

Merchant of Venice cast at TCC

For the first time since the start of the pandemic, Tidewater Community College is offering the community live theatre in its Black Box Theater on Chesapeake Campus, 1428 Cedar Road.

TCC Theatre brings “The Merchant of Venice” to the stage for six performances, April 8-16.

As in the original production, “The Merchant of Venice” features a merchant in Venice named Antonio who defaults on a large loan provided by a Jewish moneylender, Shylock. 

Merchant of Venice cast in high school outfits.

TCC’s version of the play is a one-hour production that brings Shakespeare’s 16th-century work into the modern world. It is set in a high school, and the classic characters become students who struggle with and create, the bigotry, bullying and cycles of violence that are as tragic and timeless as Shakespeare’s immortal words.

Directed by Logan Bennett, the world portrayed on stage at TCC uses cryptocurrency, while texting is lingua franca, and the characters’ use of social media adds layers to the story.

Performance dates and times are:
April 8-9 at 7:30 p.m.
April 10 at 2 p.m.
April 14-16 at 7:30 p.m.

All seats are $10 for general admission. To purchase your tickets visit https://tidewater.universitytickets.com/w/event.aspx?SeriesID=6

Tickets will also be available for purchase in the theater lobby starting one hour before each performance, with cash and all credit cards accepted. Seating is limited. To make sure you get a seat, reserve your tickets in advance.

***Please note that this production of “The Merchant of Venice,” like the play as originally performed, carries stark and disturbing themes of social injustice that include racism, bigotry, and anti-Semitism that may not be appropriate for those sensitive to such subjects, or for young children.***

For questions about the production please call 757-822-5219.