Led by Associate Artistic Director, Paul Reisman, a company of six artists will explore scenes from Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, one of his most controversial plays, in an effort to reclaim it from a modern discourse — using Commedia dell'Arte as a lens to reveal the script's original humor, rich relationships, and sense of play. This workshop production goes beyond a traditional reading, allowing the actors get on their feet with a focus on staging the text, using minimal sets, costumes and props. There will be a Q&A session as part of each performance, allowing the artists to discuss the process, develop ideas, and dialogue with the audience. Presented as part of Commedia dell’Arte Day, an annual international event on February 25th (www.commediadellarteday.org).