Wednesday, July 27 (Much Ado About Nothing ) 6:30pm
and Thursday, July 28, 2011 (The Merchant of Venice) 6:30pm
Free to the public
Idaho State University Quad (south end)
Inclement weather location: Idaho State University Pond Student Union Ballroom
Picnics welcome, bring your own blankets and chairs
MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING
Leonato, a rich nobleman, his daughter Hero, and her cousin Beatrice learn that Don Pedro, a young soldier, has won victory in a battle and is returning home. He arrives with Claudio, Benedict, and Pedro's estranged brother, Don John. Claudio falls in love with Hero at first sight. Benedict and Beatrice chide one another and trade witticisms. In private, Claudio tells Benedict of his love, but Benedict only teases him. Don Pedro, however, vows to help
Claudio by disguising himself as Claudio and making advances to Hero. Don John's servant Conrad informs Don John of Claudio and Pedro's plans, and out of spite John plans to attempt to foil the plans.
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
As the play opens, we meet Antonio, a Venetian merchant. Antonio agrees to give his best friend Bassanio the money he needs to hopefully woo and marry the beautiful Portia. Antonio has no cash, so he goes to Shylock, a Jewish moneylender. Antonio accepts a bargain from Shylock in exchange for the money: Shylock will charge no interest, but if he is not paid back on time, Antonio will forfeit, literally, "a pound of flesh."
Sponsored by Pocatello Arts Council, Idaho State University Summer Activities, and Idaho State University Cultural Affiars Council
"This summer, the audience will be treated to two wonderful performances that cover the broad perspective of Shakespeare's genius as a playwright," said Joel Jahnke, MSIP's artistic coordinator and a professor of theater at Montana State University.
Montana Shakespeare in the Parks has been touring Montana, northern Wyoming and eastern Idaho since 1973, with performances of free, professional outdoor theatre. An outreach program of Montana State University, remarkably self-sufficient, the company features 10 professional actors who tour without technical assistance to bring theatre to communities primarily in rural areas that may not otherwise have access to it. In order to maintain free performances that are high quality and available to all, funds are raised throughout the year through a combination of foundation grants, corporate sponsorships, and individual donations.
Learn more about Shakespeare and his plays
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