The Merchant of Venice (Summer 2012)

By William Shakespeare
Directed by Alison C. Vesely

“If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge?”

Shakespeare’s most controversial play is a complex tale of hatred, love, revenge, and betrayal. Set in 16th C. Venice, this production will be the central element of a two-month long series of events that examine the Bard’s dark tale and the effect it has had not only on future dramas, but on all of society.

Visit The Merchant of Venice show page.

Experience First Folio at Mayslake Peabody Estate Forest Preserve

All performances take place on the grounds of the Mayslake Peabody Estate, which is owned and operated by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County. Indoor shows are presented in Mayslake Hall, a 30-room Tudor Revival style mansion originally built by coal baron Francis S. Peabody. Completed in 1922, the mansion is on the National Registry of Historic Places. Click here for directions.

Ticket Return Policy

First Folio will issue refunds only if a performance is canceled.  Tickets already purchased may be exchanged for another performance provided the exchange is made at least 6 hours in advance.  Additional charges may apply for exchanging preview tickets for non-preview performances or for exchanging weekday tickets for weekend tickets.

To find out if a performance is being canceled due to weather, please call the box office at 630-986-8067.  For outdoor summer performances, the final decision is not made until 7:45 PM.   For indoor performances, the decision will be made at least 4 hours in advance.  For all weather related issues, the decision will be made based on specific conditions at our site in Oak Brook.

Gothic Charm, Pastoral Splendor and Dramatic Excellence at First Folio

Outside of the city limits there lies a dramatic destination that not only delivers outstanding theater to its audiences, but creates it in a setting that is as unique as it is lovely. First Folio Theatre , the brainchild of David Rice and Alison Vesely, has been staging the works of Shakespeare as well as other playwrights since 1997. Their choice of the historic Mayslake Peabody Estate provides a picture perfect outdoor venue and two elegant indoor stages. This exceptional location makes a remarkable home for this gifted theater company. Rice and Vesely’s passion for theater is evident by their award-winning productions, influenced and enhanced by the extraordinary atmosphere that this singular location provides. Read more and view photos from the Photo Essay By Venus Zarris