The University of Akron's theatre department will tackle Shakespeare as the "The Merchant of Venice" opens Feb. 23 at Sandefur Theatre in Guzzetta Hall.

Presented by the university's Theatre Program and directed by part-time faculty member Aubrey Caldwell, performances are Feb. 23 through 25 and March 1 through 3 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 26 at 2 p.m. Talk-backs will follow the performances on Feb. 23 and March 1. Sandefur Theatre in Guzzetta Hall is at 157 University Ave., across from E.J. Thomas Hall on the university's campus.

One of Shakespeare’s tragi-comedies, "The Merchant of Venice" shares the tale of the merchant Antonio, who funds the quest of his friend Bassanio to win the heart of Portia by taking a loan from his longtime enemy, Shylock. Should Antonio fail to pay, Shylock will take a pound of his flesh. The tale features the Bard’s classic themes of romance and mistaken identities while also painting a picture of the politics, gender roles and anti-Semitism of the Elizabethan era.