By Kasey Edge-Faur
Anaconda Weekly Review Editor
Montana Shakespeare in the Parks is working on its 54th year, and the Friends of the Hearst Free Library brought it back to Washoe Park after having to cancel last year, this time with William Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice.”
The grass was covered with lawn chairs, blankets and audience members of all ages as the theatre company showed its rendition of the play, set in the early 20th century, with its audience members donning more contemporary attire of suits and dresses than the original 16th century version.
According to Montana Shakespeare in the Parks’ website, “The Merchant of Venice explores justice, mercy, prejudice, and the longing to belong in a divided world. As Bassanio (played by Hunter Trammell) seeks Portia’s (played by Callee Miles) hand and Antonio (played by Johnathan Wallace) enters a dangerous bond with Shylock (played by Dustin Valenta), the young Jessica (played by Angela Tomaso) risks everything to leave her father’s house in search of love and freedom. Through romance and courtroom drama, Shakespeare examines the cost of exclusion and the transformative power of mercy.”
