Congregation Shaara Tfille is thrilled to host a virtual reading of Shylock on Sunday, March 7 at 3:00 p.m. Written by the Canadian playwright Mark Leiren-Young, the reading features Lary Opitz followed by a session of Question and Answers.

Open to the entire community, the production is complimentary, but donations are encouraged to benefit Congregation Shaara Tfille. For reservations and information, please contact bopitz@skidmore.edu or call 518-428-2703 prior to March 6. A link will be emailed prior to the performance.

Shylock is a one character, one act play that has been produced at theatres and Shakespeare Festivals throughout the US and Canada. It focuses on Jon Davies, a Jewish actor who had played Shylock in a production of Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. Jon addresses his audience at a “talk back” session after the play is closed abruptly due to controversy over the play’s alleged anti-Semitism. This dramatic reading is presented with the permission of the playwright and through an arrangement with Actors’ Equity Association.

Lary Opitz has been an actor, director, playwright, designer, producer, and stage manager on Broadway, Off-Broadway, regional, stock, touring and college productions. Lary is a professor of Theatre at Skidmore College and has served multiple terms as Department Chair. A founding member of Saratoga Shakespeare Company, Lary served for years as Producing Artistic Director of this professional theater company and most recently played the title role in their production of King Lear. He is a proud member of Actors’ Equity, United Scenic Artists LU#829, IATSE, Dramatists Guild, and the Stage Director and Choreographer Society. He has directed The Merchant of Venice and has played the role of Shylock in two productions of the play.