Shakespeare in the Parks in Townsend

Join us in Townsend’s Heritage Park for The Merchant of Venice on Sunday, September 6 at 5:00 PM - an early evening of compelling theatre.

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks returns for its 54th season, bringing free, live theatre to communities across Montana and the surrounding region from June through September. Performed outdoors under the open sky, this cherished summer tradition invites audiences of all ages to come together for evenings of storytelling, connection, and shared cultural experience.

This season’s tour features two of Shakespeare’s most beloved works - The Merchant of Venice and Much Ado About Nothing - with performances in more than 60 towns across five states. Each stop offers a unique and memorable experience set against the sweeping backdrop of Montana’s Big Sky.

In The Merchant of Venice, Shakespeare explores justice, mercy, prejudice, and the human desire to belong in a divided world. As Bassanio pursues Portia and Antonio enters into a risky bond with Shylock, Jessica chooses to leave her father’s home in search of love and independence. Blending romance with gripping courtroom drama, the play examines the consequences of exclusion and the possibility of compassion and mercy.

Directed by Kevin Asselin.