The Merchant of Venice (Annotated), or In Sooth I Know Not Why I Am So Sad

The run time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes, including one 15 minute intermission.

The Jewish Museum of Maryland presents a theatre dybbuk production written and directed by Artistic Director Aaron Henne at 2640 Space.

What can a play from 16th-century England tell us about how antisemitism and other prejudicial beliefs operate in our world today? What perceived truths does a play reveal about the society in which it was created, and what ideas within that society does it reinforce?

​William Shakespeare likely wrote The Merchant of Venice between 1596 and 1598, only a few years after a plague had temporarily closed London’s theaters. This was a period of great uncertainty in English society, with ongoing conflicts taking their toll, concerns about the government’s stability under an aging leader, and significant economic stresses. The anxieties associated with these societal pressures can perhaps be seen in Merchant and its portrayal of Shylock, a Jewish moneylender.

Bringing together elements of Merchant with Elizabethan history and more current news from the 21st century, The Merchant of Venice (Annotated), or In Sooth I Know Not Why I Am So Sad takes a kaleidoscopic view of the ways in which members of a society displace their fears on the “other” during times of upheaval.

theatre dybbuk creates provocative new works that blend physical theatre with poetry and music for exciting, utterly singular live events. The company explores the rich world of Jewish history, building lyrical performances that illuminate universal human experience for contemporary audiences. With an in-depth development process that can range from a few months to three years, Artistic Director Aaron Henne builds each piece with a cast of dedicated professional actors, designers, musicians, and scholars. The resulting works, from the dark and visceral dance theatre of cave… a dance for lilith to the shadowy and immersive hell prepared: a ritual exorcism inspired by kabbalistic principles, performed within a dominant cultural context, are challenging and beautiful to behold.

Admission is free, but registration is highly encouraged. You can register here.

Kosher refreshments will be served indoors. Masks are recommended, but not required for this event. Complimentary masks will be available at the event.

2640 Space is wheelchair accessible, and street parking is available near 2640 Space.

For any questions related to this event, please contact Noah Mitchel at nmitchel@jewishmuseummd.org or 443.873.5178.

This program is supported in part by a grant from The Covenant Foundation. You can learn about more JMM and other events with theatre dybbuk during their week-long residency in the region here.

This event is co-sponsored by Lillian and Albert Small Capital Jewish Museum which is presenting the production’s companion performance piece, The Villainy You Teach, on January 26. You can learn more and register for that event here.