Outdoor Summer Shakespeare finally arrives

Aucklanders rejoice as the 44th season of Outdoor Summer Shakespeare finally arrives.
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It's a horribly wet and muggy summer. You feel like that beloved family dog who has been carelessly left in the back of a car, in a carpark at midday, with all the windows up. And it's getting increasingly difficult to breathe.. You don't want to be stuck at home, melting into the couch, but anywhere you go it's even worse – the humid oppression of a cinema, the press of sweaty bodies at the local. So what could possibly be better than a little *al fresco* thespian action? That's theatre *outdoors*.

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Summer can finally begin now that Outdoor Summer Shakespeare is gearing up for their 44th Annual Season. But not much has changed in that time – they still spoil the public with some thrilling Shakespearian action. This summer they'll be rocking your socks off with *The Merchant of Venice*. The Bard's popular comedy gets a contemporary spin, and a better soundtrack. Enter emo, the ego, reality tv and hedonism. The result is seductive, charming and challenging, with characters that are sure to enchant.

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*At a dirty wharf downtown, Bassanio begs a loan from his friend. Having no cash himself, Antonio sets his own flesh as ransom to the Jew, Shylock, so that Bassanio can afford to look his best and woo a lady. Meanwhile, the 'beautiful people' gather in glitzy Belmont to see who will win the hand of the oh-so-pretty Portia, condemned by her father's will to marry the man that answers a riddle. *

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*Will Bassanio get there in time to win her hand, and her purse? Will Shylock exact his bloody revenge against Antonio? Why do promoters rely so heavily on rhetorics? All your questions will be answered when love, hatred and the letter of the law come head to head in the gripping courtroom climax. *

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*The Merchant of Venice* remains one of Shakespeare's most treasured comedies, despite the thorny ethical questions it raises. The rampant anti-Semitism is often distressing to modern readers. Even the director Tom Sainsbury, "was shocked at how anti-Semitic it appeared." But after several readings, Sainsbury "realized what a rich, thoroughly modern play *The Merchant of Venice* actually is. What felt so modern was that someone's physical looks within the play are so important, just as they are in our modern, beauty-obsessed culture. Portia's good looks are constantly referred to, and seemingly the main scanty reason Bassanio is ambitious to win her heart (it probably also helps that she's loaded). Other modern themes include obsession with money, materialism and racial hatred."

These strikingly modern themes have been given greater resonance, especially for younger audiences, through the vivid set design by patrick graham. All in all, it promises to be another great season for Aucklanders to enjoy under the starry night sky.

*The Merchant of Venice **opens on Saturday 10th of February and runs through to the 10th of March, which is also a Saturday! All shows start at 7:30pm, with no shows on Sundays. Performances are held in the Old Arts Quad, University of Auckland.

*For all the details you need go to the Maidment's website, www.maidment.auckland.ac.nz. Or, if you like, check out www.summershakespeare.ac.nz or email the cast and crew at outdoor.summer.shakespeare@gmail.com. *
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ENDS

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