“To be, or not to be, that is the question.”
High school theater directors may ask themselves this exact question when determining what play to choose for their cast.
Many run away from Shakespeare’s plays for the mere fact that it does not typically attract large crowds and may be considered too challenging for a high school cast, which frightens them; but Wauwatosa West is fearless.
The Wauwatosa West Theater will present “The Merchant of Venice” by William Shakespeare on April 14th and 15th at 7:00 p.m. and April 16th at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Tim Catlett, Wauwatosa West’s director, did not just choose this play out of thin air, or to show people what he can do; instead, he chose this because it gave him and his cast a challenge.
“Success here is not gauged on how much money we make on a show or anything like that. Success here is gauged on how much the students learned and what they get out of it.” Catlett also believes that this challenge has taught his cast and himself something incredible. “We have even learned one of the most important things, which is how to fail.”
Students seem to have risen to Catlett’s challenge. According to sophomore, Erin Stapleton the language of Shakespeare can be challenge but one that will ultimately reward the audience. “Really listen to the language because there’s several innuendos that you would miss if you zoned out.”
On that same line, a junior in the play, Mitchell Bultman, stated, “As an audience member, they are going to have to give back what we are giving them.”
The Merchant of Venice is play about two men, Shylock and Antonio, who’s lives become a chaotic mess after Shylock lends Antonio money. When Antonio is unable to repay him, Shylock demands a more bitter payment
So don’t be a scaredy-cat like the other directors; embrace your fears head on, just like Director Tim Catlett and his cast did, and see The Merchant Of Venice.
When:
April 14 – 7:00 PM
April 15 – 7:00 PM
April 16 – 7:00 PM
April 16 – 2:00 PM
Where:
Wauwatosa West High School Theater
11400 W Center Street
Price: Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students and senior citizens.
Tickets are available by calling 773-3216.
Reporter: Amanda Holmer
Photographer: Kathryn Kreuser/Emily Hoffmann
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