a world premiere by Debora Threedy
February 15-March 3, 2024
THURDAYS @ 8pm
FRIDAYS @ 8pm
SATURDAYS @ 4pm (ASL February 17, Sensory Friendly February 23)
SUNDAYS @ 2pm
Subscribe to our 2023/24 Subscription Series or purchase Single Tickets at the buttons below!
What if Portia’s appearance as a male lawyer in court wasn’t the first—or last—time she dressed in drag?
Portia is a noblewoman in 16th century Venice, She wants to be a lawyer, but that profession is reserved for men. Her lawyer cousin Bellario won’t teach her. Her husband Bassanio is in serious legal trouble … and he’s in love with his best friend Antonio. Things are not going well. What’s a girl to do?
1. Create an alter ego (enter Balthazar).
2. Trick Bellario.
3. Represent Antonio (and Bassanio) in court.
This riff on Shakespeare’s THE MERCHANT OF VENICE is a life-and-death journey through the law, love, and gender identity.
Developed in our Lab and Script-In-Hand Series + Words Cubed at Utah Shakespeare Festival.
Subscriptions + tickets + info in the button gallery below. High school teachers please email our Education Coordinator Sharah Meservy to inquire about student matinees.
CAST & CREATIVE
Playwright: Debora Threedy
Actors: Jason Bowcutt & Lily Hye Soo Dixon
Director & Sound Designer: Cheryl Ann Cluff
Intimacy Director: Liz Whittaker
Lighting Designer: Marley Keith
Props Designer: Arika Schockmel
Show Art & Costume Designer: Aaron Asano Swenson
Scenic Designer: Janice Chan
Stage Manager & Scenic Builder & Electrician: David Knoell
“When we are both accoutered like young men,
I’ll prove the prettier of the two.”
– William Shakespeare’s THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, Act III, Scene iv
“I think sometimes it’s easier to look at hot-button social issues with some distance built in.
I hope these characters invite you to embrace gender fluidity.”
– Playwright Debora Threedy
