The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, marking its 20th repertory season, will bring Shakespeare’s controversial play, “The Merchant of Venice,” to its outdoor stage this summer starting June 2. Performances will continue on Sunday afternoons at 4 p.m. through Sept. 29.
Scholars have long made an issue of Shakespeare’s characterization of the Jew, Shylock, who demands a pound of flesh from his debtor. Was Shakespeare himself anti-Semitic or was he just reflecting the sentiments of the time?
Ellen Geer, who will direct the production, stresses that the play was written 400 years ago but the issues of prejudice and religious hatred are contemporary.
Other productions planned for the summer season are “The Animal Farm,” adapted from the George Orwell classic by Peter Hall; Jean Giraudoux’s comedy “The Madwoman of Chaillot” and Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”
“Animal Farm,” also directed by Ellen Geer, will have music by Richard Peaslee and lyrics by Adrian Mitchell. It will run on Saturdays at 8 p.m. from June 29 to July 20; Saturdays at 4 p.m. from Aug. 3 to Sept. 21; and Sundays at 7:30 p.m., June 30 through July 28 as well as Sept. 29.
Heidi Helen Davis will direct the third offering, “The Madwoman of Chaillot,” with Maurice Valency’s English adaptation. It will be performed Saturdays at 8 p.m., July 27 to August 31; Saturday at 4 p.m., Sept. 28; Saturdays at 3 p.m., Oct. 5 to 19; and Sundays at 7:30 p.m., Aug. 4 to Sept. 22.
Labor Day brings the Theatricum’s signature production, Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” which is ideally suited for the Topanga Canyon outdoor setting. It opens on Sept. 2 at 6 p.m. and continues on Fridays at 8 p.m., Sept. 6 and 13; Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sept. 7 to 28; and Sundays at 3 p.m., Oct. 6 to 20.
The number to call for reservations is 455.3723. The amphitheater is located at 1419 North Topanga Blvd. Audience members are urged to dress casually, prepare for cool weather in the evening and bring cushions to protect their rears.