Shakespeare's Merchant still strong seller in Bay | Bay of Plenty News | Local News in Bay of Plenty

The Merchant of Venice is Detour Theatre's 2010 Shakespearean production.

Detour Theatre's annual season of Shakespeare is back after the runaway success of their 2009 production of Twelfth Night.

"This year we are producing The Merchant of Venice. It's a compelling tale of friendship and love, justice and cruelty, infused with comedy, tragedy, wit, and passion", says director Devon Williamson.

The play is a wonderful web of plots that all converge around a single character - the clever, beautiful and spirited young woman Portia. As the play opens a Venetian merchant agrees to give his best friend the money he needs to woo and marry Portia. The Merchant's wealth is all tied up with ships at sea, so he approaches Shylock, a ruthless moneylender. An unusual bargain is struck with Shylock whereby if the loan is not repaid on time, then payment will be "a pound of the Merchant's flesh".

Disaster strikes and Shylock gleefully drags the Merchant to court demanding his pound of flesh. A mysterious young lawyer arrives (Portia in disguise) and so begins a battle of wits ...

Lead actors include Jess Stringer, who is a graduate of the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art, playing the lead role of Portia and Tauranga's ever-popular David Guy as the iconic money lender Shylock.

The talented cast of 20-plus actors is a mix of experienced and fresh talent.

"We're building a very strong core group of dedicated actors who love Shakespeare. The experienced members provide inspiration and set the standard for the actors new to Shakespeare. My role is a combination of director and acting coach", says Devon.

"Last year we made the commitment to produce one of Shakespeare's plays every September. We had no idea how the first production would be received and felt we were taking a big risk. We were prepared for small houses last year."

Instead the season quickly sold out.

One question that is often asked is whether the original language and settings will be used in the production. Absolutely. For Detour Theatre the beauty of Shakespeare is the language, the historical settings and costumes. Shakespeare's themes and stories are as relevant today as they were in 1600, but Detour doesn't feel the need to "make Shakespeare modern".

They already produce other modern plays including a new comedy each year. Their Shakespeare is delivered classically. That's where they believe the joy is for the actors, crew and the audience alike.

"Our productions are lively, infused with humour and surprisingly easy to follow for audiences. We work very, very hard at making the characters and story engaging and understood. Merchant of Venice is often mistaken for a dour and dark drama. In actual fact it is a hilarious comedy with a dramatic story. I have no doubt that audiences will be surprised at how entertaining and accessible our production is. Shakespeare's plays were written to entertain ... four hundred years later we're loving the experience of making them entertain still", says Devon.

Adding to the significance of this production is the fact that this could be the first time the Merchant of Venice has been performed by a theatre in Tauranga. The 60-year-old Repertory Society has no record of it being produced.

Incredibly very few of Shakespeare's plays have been performed by Tauranga's theatres. Detour's annual Shakespearean productions create a rare opportunity for the Tauranga community.

There is also something special about a 400-year-old play being staged in a 100-year-old theatre. The Detour Theatre started its life in 1911 as Tauranga's original Baptist Church. In 2008 the Detour Theatre Trust embarked on an ambitious project of turning the dilapidated building into an intimate 80-seat theatre.

"It's a beautiful old building. I believe we have found the perfect balance of keeping the historic nature of the building and creating a comfortable, functional theatre," says Theatre Trustee, Glen Morris.

The Merchant of Venice opens tonight and will play until September 18. Show nights are Tuesday to Saturday. Bookings and information are at Baycourt Ticket Direct 5777188. Information on the Detour Theatre Trust can be found at their website: www.detour.co.nz