THE MERCHANT OF VENICE Opens 2/18 at The Estates Theatre in Prague

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE will open on February 18 at The Estates Theatre in Prague.

Although the genius playwright had no idea about capitalism and the uncertainly of financial markets, with a foresight synonymous with genius, four centuries ago he wrote a story that is still topical today, or, one is tempted to say, today in particular. The wealthy merchant Antonio believes in his investments, yet his ships loaded with goods do not return. He signs an extremely risky bill of debt with a man he despises. Shylock the Jew insists on fulfilment of the cruel bond, since in his world the world is law. Those endowed with a privileged social position should too pay off their liabilities. Yet contracts are mere words, and with a good lawyer you can outwit the other party. (On a more general level, there is a clash between the world of the merchant Antonio, the Old Testament world of Shylock and Portia's fairy-tale, carefree Belmont - parallel, mutually exclusive worlds only living by their own values. If they do clash, then until the "pound of flesh" is extracted.)

This great Shakespeare play is returning to the National Theatre after half a century.

Translation: Martin Hilský
Director: Martin ?i?vák
Stage design: Hans Hoffer
Costumes: Marija Havran
Music: Petr Kofro?
Dramaturgy: Daria Ullrichová

THE MERCHANT OF VENICE runs through June 13, 2010.

For more information, click here.