Shakespeare in the Parks to Perform “The Merchant of Venice” at Montana Western

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks will hold a free performance of Shakespeare’s "The Merchant of Venice" on Friday, July 31, at 6:00 p.m. at the University of Montana Western’s Legacy Plaza. Bring your lawn chair, blanket, and a picnic dinner, and enjoy an evening of live Shakespeare!

The Merchant of Venice explores justice, mercy, prejudice, and the longing to belong in a divided world. As Bassanio seeks Portia’s hand and Antonio enters a dangerous bond with Shylock, the young Jessica risks everything to leave her father’s house in search of love and freedom. Through romance and courtroom drama, Shakespeare examines the cost of exclusion and the transformative power of mercy. 

“The Merchant of Venice is one of the most complete plays in Shakespeare’s canon,” says director Kevin Asselin. “It offers so much for audiences: the young people in the play have a fascinating journey, but it’s the deeper questions that Shylock, Antonio, and Portia navigate on a truly human level that I find most compelling as a director.” 

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks has been bringing the timeless works of William Shakespeare to communities across Montana and neighboring states for over 50 years. Renowned for its high-quality, free outdoor performances, the program aims to make the arts accessible to all, fostering a love for theater and literature in audiences of all ages. Each summer, the cast and crew travel thousands of miles to bring Shakespeare’s plays to parks, town squares, and public spaces throughout the region. 

This summer, the company performs in 64 communities across five states, including Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, North Dakota, and Washington, serving over 20,000 audience members annually with free performances. 

To see the full Montana Shakespeare in the Parks tour schedule, visit https://shakespeareintheparks.org. 

Montana Western’s School of Outreach has brought Montana Shakespeare in the Parks to the Dillon community since 1986 and is a local sponsor of the event. We would like to thank our premier local sponsor, Pioneer State Bank, and our additional local sponsors: McIsaac Appraisal and the UMW Foundation. 

For more information, please contact the School of Outreach at 406-683-7537 or outreach@umwestern.edu.