Coming in 2008
The Bohemian Theater Ensemble Presents

The Merchant of Venice
By William Shakespeare

Directed by Peter Robel
Produced by Thomas J. Samorian

Opening at BoHo Theatre in the Heartland Studio on
July 25, 2008, running through August 31, 2008.

The Merchant of Venice, set against a backdrop of high stakes finance and high stakes romance, tells the tale of long time enemies, two opposing cultures, two beautiful women and one pound of flesh woven into a tale of old-worn hatreds, new-found loves, long-time friendships and family betrayals

While generally considered a comedy, The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare’s most grippingly dramatic plays. When Antonio defaults on a loan for his friend with romantic ambitions, the bitter lender Shylock demands a “pound of flesh” in payment. The legal crisis can only be resolved by a beautiful heroine disguised as a judge. This theatrical feast is rich with intriguing characters that show us how love and forgiveness can bridge the gaps between moral ideals and their imperfect human renderings.
The Merchant of Venice abounds in imagery that centers on deception, vice, and human weakness–and fittingly so. After all, the central characters in the drama are all deeply flawed or disturbed, exhibiting prejudice, hatred, greed, desire for revenge, depression.

In today’s climate of blurred vision between being cautious and afraid, this BoHo production of The Merchant of Venice mirrors how one reacts and responds to the misgivings of others.

About The Bohemian Theater Emsemble

Bohemian Theatre Ensemble began in the Fall of 2003 with
four people sitting around a living room talking about what
makes a good theatre company.

Organization, a solid business approach, respect for the actor
and the creative process, coupled with an adherence to a spirited mission statement was (and still is) the basis for what the founders of BoHo Theatre created.

A not-for-profit, 501 (c) 3 corporation was officially formed on November 4, 2003. After a year of business planning and fundraising, BoHo produced ART by Yasmina Reza
on the Bailiwick Studio stage.

Since then, BoHo has produced musicals, classic works, original adaptations, and contemporary pieces. Our works have been well-received by both critics and audiences alike. Our production of SideShow (Summer, 2006) was
Jeff Recommended, and received three After Dark awards.

BoHo intends to keep growing with each production, and will continue to follow the initial guiding principles established in that first year of organization.

THE BOHO MISSION:
To create theatre that incorporates the arts as a whole -- Art for art’s sake.

VISION:
To challenge convention through literary originality and eclectic
expression while fostering an ever-evolving artistic environment in
which people are inspired to learn, think, dream, and feel. To teach
others and ourselves how to expand, create, and present art through
theatre while reveling not only in the process, but also in the journey.

BEING “BOHEMIAN”:
Bohemia is not so much a place on a map but a timeless concept that
knows no geographic boundaries. The Bohemian recognizes that
cherishing all aspects of art is tantamount to progression of mankind
as more than just a living being.

The Four Basic Principles of the Bohemian represent our core VALUES:
Truth – That which is at the core of all things good and soulful.
Beauty – The aim of art is to represent not the outward appearance of things, but their inward significance. -Aristotle

Freedom – Without freedom, no art; art lives only on the restraints it imposes on itself, and dies of all others. -Camus

Love – Life in abundance comes only through great love.