Mark Bourbeau's MERCHANT OF VENUS Plays Arsenal Center for the Arts, Now thru 6/16

MERCHANT OF VENUS, a re-imagination of William Shakespeare's MERCHANT OF VENICE, adapted and directed by Mark Bourbeau will play the Arsenal Center for the Arts, 321 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA. Black Box Theatre tonight,, June 6 at 3pm; Fri June 7 at 8pm; Sat, June 8 at 3 & 8pm; Sun, June 9 at 3pm; Thu, June 13 at 8pm; Fri June 14 at 8pm; Sat, June 15 at 3 & 7pm; Sun, June 16 at 3pm.

Tickets available at www.ZPTheater.com $46 - $52, Promo code "zeropoint" for discount.

Zero Point Theater brings over 30 actors, jazz musicians, and professional dancers to the black box of the Arsenal Center for the Arts for its re-imagination of William Shakespeare's classic. This thought-provoking new production directed by Mark Bourbeau takes place in a 1920's Venice with the feel of Prohibition-era New Orleans. The milieu of masks and carnival celebrations conceals a world of ruthless business enterprise.

Perhaps the most striking change to Shakespeare's original is casting veteran actress Miranda Craigwell in the controversial role of Shylock. Shylock's portrayal as a black Jewish woman serves to compound the character's struggles as an extremely marginalized member of society, presenting an interesting viewpoint on what could push such a person into apparently villainous behavior. Our Shylock is someone for whom economic dominance is the only power available in a difficult culture.

Zero Point's version also features unique expositions of the other main characters. Antonio, the titular Merchant, (played variously by Cliff Blake and Tom Beyer) monetizes love and as a result turns his power against himself. Brilliant Portia, (played by Anneke Reich) who as a woman can't be respected for her mind, or even pick her own mate, can only really feel fully alive through playing a man, and marries Bassanio as a sort of consolation prize.

There will be a meet, greet and talk back session with the cast and director after the matinee performances on Thursday, June 06th and Sunday, June 16th.

Zero Point Theater aims to bring together theater artists and audience members through productions, educational programs, and professional development opportunities. We entertain the seasoned theater- goer, create a new generation of theater enthusiasts, and provide professional training opportunities for all levels of performers.