The “Merchant of Venice”, Chattanooga

The “Merchant of Venice” will take stage in February when Shakespeare Chattanooga (SC) presents one of Shakespeare’s most challenging and controversial plays.  “I have been fascinated by this play for years,” says SC founder and producing director Janis Hashe. “However it may have played for an Elizabethan audience, modern audiences will see it through the prism of an additional 400 years of history. This will be a modern-dress production and we will present the characters through modern eyes.”

“No one in ‘Merchant’ is a completely likeable character,” says Hashe. “There’s comedy, but it’s bitter, and we will use that element as well. The power of this play is undeniable.” The strong cast currently includes Steven Disbrow as Shylock, Tenika Dye as Portia, Daniel Pound as Bassanio, Amy Christine Smith as Jessica, R. Clay Johnson as Launcelot Gobbo, Herb Snowman as Antonio, Stephanie Smith as Nerissa, Ward Fleissner as Solanio, Paula Berard as Saleria, Jeff Hill as Tubal, Jake Waters as Lorenzo, Rodney Strong as Old Gobbo/The Duke and Nate Garth as both Princes. Smith will also serve as musical director, which she has done on several previous SC shows.

The Jewish Federation will hold a panel discussion on anti-Semitism, Thursday, February 9 at 7:00 p.m..  Panel members will include a representative from the Shelley Rose of Anti-Defamation League, Dr. Clark White a local sociology professor, Alan Richelson past Community Relation Committee Chair and a law enforcement official. “We feel that conversations about anti-Semitism through the lens of theatre or in a panel discussion can only benefit the community.” Michael Dzik, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga.

The Jewish Cultural Center, funded by the Jewish Federation of Greater Chattanooga, offers programs, classes, and exhibits; social services; and a preschool—all rooted in Jewish values.  The facility enables the Jewish community to raise its visibility, foster relationships, and strengthen its identity in the Chattanooga area.  All programs are open to everyone regardless of religious affiliation.

Where: Jewish Cultural Center, 5461 N. Terrace Dr., Chattanooga, 37411

When: 2 p.m. Sundays, February 5 and February 12

7:30 p.m. February 6, 7, 13, 14

Cost: $10; $8 seniors and students with ID, $7.00 for groups of 10 or more with prior reservation

Reservations: (423) 493-0270 or rsvp@jewishchattanooga.com