Showing on Monday 28th July, Tuesday 29th July and Wednesday 30th July from 20:45 in San Anton Gardens.

The Merchant of Venice, directed by Joe Friggieri.

Venice, 1596. Antonio (Michael Mangion) loves the youthful Bassanio (Philip Leone Ganado), so when Bassanio asks for 3000 ducats, Antonio says yes before knowing it’s to sue for the hand of Portia (Coryse Borg). His capital tied up in merchant ships at sea, Antonio must go to Shylock (Manuel Cauchi), a Jewish moneylender he reviles. Shylock wraps his grudge in kindness, offering a three-month loan at no interest, but if not repaid, Antonio will owe a pound of flesh. The Jew’s daughter elopes with a Christian, whetting Shylock’s hatred. While Bassanio’s away wooing Portia, Antonio’s ships founder, and Shylock demands his pound of flesh. With court assembled and a judgment due, Portia swings into action to save Bassanio’s friend.Supporting the above roles are Steve Hili as Gratiano, Alexander Gatesy Lewis as Lorenzo, Luke Mercieca & John Marinelli playing Salerio & Solanio respectively; Anton Saliba plays Tubal whilst Launcelot Gobbo is played by David Chircop. The wooing princes are played by Joe Depasquale and Joe Zammit whilst Francesca Briffa plays Nerissa and Annelise Abela & Maxine Aquilina take it in turns to portray Jessica.Other supporting roles are played by Chris Spiteri, Stephen Mintoff, Janelle Caruana, Diandra Ann Mamo, Rambert Attard and Stephen Galea.