Ahoy gang, Much ado this week...we are getting into the spirit of Shakespeare because from Monday to Thursday night in the Space at the Helix (doors 7pm) we have The Merchant of Venice! Matinees at 2pm Tuesday and Wednesday (although the Wed matinee is sold out...) The Story… Bassanio, a noble but impoverished Venitian, asks his friend Antonio for a loan of 3,000 ducats to impress the beautiful heiress Portia. Antonio agrees, but in turn is forced to borrow the sum from the cynical Jewish moneylender, Shylock. Antonio signs a chilling contract to honour the debt with a pound of his own flesh. A complex and controversial "comedy," *The Merchant of **Venice* is a unique exploration of prejudice and the true nature of justice. Our Treatment… DCU Drama, after the success of our production of *Macbeth* last year, have continued our tradition of performing Shakespeare in a modern setting, while retaining the original sparkling dialogue. A completely amateur production, the cast, directors and producer are all students here at DCU. The unique configuration of the Space in the Helix allows us to perform in an intimate setting - "in the round," allowing the cast to develop a bond with the audience, allowing for an increased emotional impact. MUSICAL REHEARSALS: Yup, it's that time of the year again, and well done to all those who were cast! This week's schedule is: *Rehearsal Timetable for Guys & Dolls (20th-26th February)* ** *Monday * Olga 6pm-9pm Venue TBC (Will be confirmed on the website) *Tuesday* Iain, Alan & Olga 6pm-9pm XG14 & XG01 *Wednesday* Iain & Alan 1pm - 8pm XG14 & XG01 *Thursday * Iain 6pm - pm XG14 & XG15 *Friday * *No rehearsal* *Saturday* *No rehearsal* *Sunday* * No rehearsal* As this is the first week of rehearsals their are no groups organised yet so could *all cast members* please attend at the times given above. Please note as well that this Schedule is not fixed and will change from week to week. A WORD FROM OUR PRESIDENT (NOT VON PRON, BUT THE DCU DRAMA PRESIDENT...) Marie-Louise O Donnell, our erstwhile president (as some of you may know) has left her position in the Helix and has returned to DCU to lecture. She also has a grand vision and and a plan to put on a vocal chorus-type show that was written by a student some years ago. The student in question was a paraplegic and spent several years writing this piece (his thesis) one letter at a time. It is an intriguing proposal, and will require a chorus of about 50 and at least a year to prepare. I think it has the potential to be an absolutely unique production and is the sort of thing that could catapult DCU Drama into the realms of national exposure, which is never a bad thing... We will be holding a General Members meeting in week 4 where Marie-Louise wants to come and meet members of DCU Drama and further expand on her ideas, and recruit volunteers. Don't miss this opportunity to be a part of something special! BUI BOLG/ST. PATRICK'S DAY: Our Wexford-based puppet friends need about 115 (yes, 115) volunteers for paid work for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Bui Bolg are headlining the parade, and DCU Drama hava a chance to be part of that. Wanna get paid 20 euro and hour to wear a giant puppet suit and lead the St Patrick's Day parade? Contact sec@dcudrama.ie for more details... Have a good week! And don't miss The Merchant of Venice! Bob -- Roibeard O Mhurcu # 54144094 CS2 Class Rep. DCU Drama, Chairman (Chairperson/Chairthing, y'know like, whatever). www.dcudrama.ie "Joey, you ever been in a cockpit before? Ever seen a grown man naked? Ever hang around the gymnasium?" "Joey, do you like movies about... Gladiators?" -Capt. Clarence Oveur-