Austin Shakespeare presents "Shakespeare, Politics, & Shylock"

Austin Shakespeare presents scenes and conversation:
"Shakespeare, Politics & Shylock"
At Jewish Community Center Thurs. March 24

Artistic Director Ann Ciccolella is especially excited about this unusual project, "We are fascinated by Shakespeare's brilliant insight into the human heart, but that often comes packaged with many problems. Shylock swings from being a person who is reviled at the beginning of The Merchant of Venice to an aggressor in the courtroom scene. Through that journey we can see the story of Jewishness in Europe -- even though Shakespeare himself may never have known any Jewish persons in his life."

Cast: Professional Actors Equity actors Robert Tolaro as "Shylock, the Jew"; Jill Blackwood as "Portia." Directed by Ann Ciccolella. "Shylock," Robert Tolaro has acted and directed for Austin Shakespeare, most recently in Ann Ciccolella's production of Much Ado about Nothing for Shakespeare in Zilker Park, and Oscar Wilde's An Ideal Husband. As a professional stage manager Tolaro spent much of his career on tour with Greater Tuna.
"Portia," Jill Blackwood has acted for Austin Shakespeare recently at the Long Center: "Violet" in GB Shaw's Man and Superman; "Helena" Midsummer Night's Dream and "Rosalind" As You Like It (B. Iden Payne & Austin Critic's Table awards); recently at Zach: The Drowsy Chaperone; also Austin Playhouse, The State Theatre, "Glinda" in The Wizard of Oz at Bass Concert Hall; Carousel opposite Patrick Cassidy at the Paramount, Theatre. Recent films: Five Time Champion and Bernie.

Also starring: David J. Boss (Bassanio), Steven Cruz (Tubal/Gratziano), Robert Stevens (Duke of Venice), and Rommel Sulit (Antonio)

Footage shot and edited by Justin C Gordon

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Austin
• Austin Shakespeare
• Shakespeare
• Justin C Gordon
• Robert Tolaro
• Shylock
• Shylock the Jew
• Jill Blackwood
• Portia
• Texas
• Theatre
• Rommel Sulit
• David J Boss
• Robert Stevens
• Steve Cruz
• Stacia Stroder
• Christina Gutierrez