For nearly two decades, Austin Shakespeare’s Young Shakespeare program has given emerging actors the opportunity to bring classic works to life, and this summer the group is taking on one of Shakespeare’s most debated plays, The Merchant of Venice. The production blends youthful energy with centuries-old text, offering Austin audiences a fresh look at a story filled with conflict, complexity, and enduring themes.
Sierra Waggoner spoke with cast members Major Vincent, who portrays Shylock, and Skylar Ewing, who portrays Portia, about their experience stepping into Shakespeare’s world and what modern audiences can take away from the production.
Sierra Waggoner spoke with cast members Major Vincent, who portrays Shylock, and Skylar Ewing, who portrays Portia, about their experience stepping into Shakespeare’s world and what modern audiences can take away from the production.
Ewing explained the play’s central storyline, noting, “So this is one of Shakespeare’s comedies. So it’s pretty fun. And so, basically there’s a merchant who lives in Venice and he’s in debt, so he needs to borrow money from a guy named Shylock who is played by Major. And unfortunately, this man is unable to pay back his debts. So then there’s this whole courtroom drama as to whether or not he’ll be able to pay it back, or whether Shylock will cut out a pound of his flesh. So it’s quite an engaging comedy.”
Both performers shared their personal connection to Shakespeare. Ewing said, “I’ve just always loved Shakespeare a lot. The language is so beautiful and there’s always more to explore in every one of his plays.” Photo by Bret Brookshire
Vincent reflected on how Shakespeare’s language connects to modern life, sharing, “I think, at least if you take away a lot of the big kind of grandiose, sometimes when you read Shakespeare it feels like you’re just reading nonsense, right? But if you really get into it and understand what you’re reading, it’s thoughts and feelings that we all have it sticks.”
The actors also spoke about how the play resonates with audiences today. Ewing noted, “Well, I think it’s one of Shakespeare’s more controversial plays, but I think just the willingness to explore and experience some of those more unique themes will really help the audience see Shakespeare in a new and more relevant light.”
Ewing added perspective on her role as Portia, saying, “She’s very wealthy, but her father died, so she’s sort of lost in the struggle of marriage. She has to decide who she’ll marry. She’s one of Shakespeare’s most strong, powerful women… she just takes such control over her own life through really difficult circumstances.” Photo by Bret Brookshire
Vincent offered insight into his character Shylock, explaining, “He’s a really cautious person, and at times he appears really coarse and intense. But as time has gone on, the world has kind of changed to see him as a morally gray area person who has been deeply wronged, but has some areas where we can empathize with him.”
Ewing explained the play’s central storyline, noting, “So this is one of Shakespeare’s comedies. So it’s pretty fun. And so, basically there’s a merchant who lives in Venice and he’s in debt, so he needs to borrow money from a guy named Shylock who is played by Major. And unfortunately, this man is unable to pay back his debts. So then there’s this whole courtroom drama as to whether or not he’ll be able to pay it back, or whether Shylock will cut out a pound of his flesh. So it’s quite an engaging comedy.”
Photo by Bret Brookshire
Ewing added perspective on her role as Portia, saying, “She’s very wealthy, but her father died, so she’s sort of lost in the struggle of marriage. She has to decide who she’ll marry. She’s one of Shakespeare’s most strong, powerful women she just takes such control over her own life through really difficult circumstances.”
Both performers shared their personal connection to Shakespeare. Ewing said, “I’ve just always loved Shakespeare a lot. The language is so beautiful and there’s always more to explore in every one of his plays.”
Vincent added, “I’ve always really wanted to do Merchant of Venice. It’s got really unique characters and I just love that leading cast of characters.”
Vincent reflected on how Shakespeare’s language connects to modern life, sharing, “I think, at least if you take away a lot of the big kind of grandiose, sometimes when you read Shakespeare it feels like you’re just reading nonsense, right? But if you really get into it and understand what you’re reading, it’s thoughts and feelings that we all have… it sticks.” Photo by Bret Brookshire
The Young Shakespeare program continues to serve as both a training ground and a creative space, allowing students to dive deeply into performance, storytelling, and collaboration while making classical theatre accessible to Austin audiences.
Audiences can experience The Merchant of Venice through Austin Shakespeare’s Young Shakespeare program this season head to austinshakespeare.org.
Audiences can experience The Merchant of Venice through Austin Shakespeare’s Young Shakespeare program this season.