Bassanio wants to marry our rich heroine Portia but he needs a loan from his friend Antonio (the Merchant of Venice) to woo her in style. Antonio has invested all his money in ships at sea forcing him to borrow on behalf of his best friend. Shylock, the rich Jew and moneylender, makes the funds available; but cocky Antonio, setting the stakes high, pledges a pound of his own flesh if he forfeits payment. “This is classified as a comedy,” you ask. Enter young Launcelot Gobo, one of Shakespeare’s best clowns; then add girls disguised as boys pulling pranks on their husbands to be; include prospects of weddings at the finale and you have one of the finest plays that Shakespeare ever wrote. The Merchant of Venice is a show that everyone will enjoy.

Sir John Falstaff is running low on party funds so he hatches a clever scheme to hustle two wealthy women. A little love and a lot of money is his goal. Sir John has heard that his targets, Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, have control of their husbands’ money. Unfortunately, for Sir John, these merry wives are not just wealthy; they are wise and witty. The two women conspire with a scheme of their own that makes Sir John rue the day. Queen Elizabeth wanted to see Sir John Falstaff in a comedy and Shakespeare delivered with flare. The Merry Wives of Windsor is a fast pace farce that will make everyone, young and old alike, giggle and snort and laugh.

Relive the history of Egyptian Dance from its origins 3000 years ago when it was an integral part of culture and ritual, to its migration through Europe and North America where it became known as a form of entertainment called Belly Dance, and finally back to its glory as a cultural dance where thousands of people learn, practice, teach and perform it. Join us in a Middle Eastern Dance spectacular as we meet our ancestors and move closer to closing the Circle of the dance. Adult admission is $25; students and seniors $20; and children $12. Also, take advantage of Shakespeare’s procrastinator week discounts, and save $5 when purchasing tickets for the July 12^th performance.

Finally! The Batoche Musical returns to Saskatoon! Ernestine and Alphonse Pilon were the first couple to marry after the Battle of Batoche. Now they’re celebrating their 60^th wedding anniversary and you’re invited! Join them as their story comes to life through song, dance and laughter. You’ll see how the young Alphonse and Ernestine met and how the events of 1885 changed their lives. The Batoche Musical is more than a celebration of Alphonse and Ernestine. It is a celebration of metis culture. As part of their extended family, you are invited to join in the fun! Tickets: $22.50

Dance Saskatchewan Presents Dance on the Saskatchewan. A collection of performance works featuring a variety of dance genres from all across Saskatchewan. Join us for DSI’s first presentation of dance on the main stage of the Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan Festival tent located on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River in the heart of Saskatoon. Pre-Show entertainment will commence at 6:30 p.m. with the main show starting at 8 p.m. Don’t miss this celebration of Saskatchewan’s growing, diverse and vibrant dance community. General admission is $20; children and seniors get in for $15.