By Jorge Casuso

July 16, 2010 -- The balconies at the former Marion Davies Guest House on the beach will become a stage this month when  Beach=Culture departs from its regular Tuesday slot to present Shakespeare Santa Monica’s The Merchant of Venice.

Performances will take advantage of the sun and take place at 4:30pm Wednesday through Fridays, with seating in the sunken garden in true Shakespearean style.

The play, which takes place in Venice when it was the world center of both commerce and intrigue, tells the tale of the young Bassanio, who falls in love with the beautiful heiress Portia.

In order to woo her, he requests a loan from his friend, Antonio, who in turn cuts a deal with the moneylender Shylock, agreeing to pay or forfeit the famous "pound of flesh."

Shylock continues to be one of Shakespeare's supreme creations, despite appearing in only five scenes, and the Jewish moneylender remains one of the most misunderstood and controversial characters in world theater.

There are also plenty of dramatic twists, cross-dressing and cliff-hanging moments, as well as soliloquies that touch on the universal themes of love, tolerance, equality and mercy.

The production stars Southern California stage favorite Apollo Dukakis as Shylock and Emmy-Award winning actress Jennifer Landon as Portia. Directed by Shakespeare Santa Monica Artistic Director John Farmanesh-Bocca. The Merchant Of Venice is a Shakespeare Santa Monica production.

Performed outside the Marion Davies Guest House at 415 PCH, the play runs approximately 100 minutes without intermission from 4:30- to 6 p.m. Be sure to bring appropriate outerwear/sunscreen -- it will get hot in the sun! Several performances are at capacity; waitlist reservations and standing room areas are available.

For information and reservations visit http://www.eventbrite.com/org/199463539