Historical information
The program states: "The University of Melbourne presents the Melbourne Theatre Company in The Merchant of Venice".
The play completes the Melbourne Theatre Company's Season 24, Part one, of performances at the Athenaeum Theatre, The Melbourne Theatre company was also performing at the Russell Street Theatre (at the Melbourne University. ).
Significance
While MTC was waiting for its purpose-built playhouse at Southbank to be completed, performances were held at the Athenaeum and popular with subscribers. Program notes state that the company thanks everyone for their support "during Part 1 of the Season, during which attendances were higher than at any other time in our Company's history".
The Artistic Director for this season was Ray Lawler, author of the Doll Trilogy which was later performed at the Athenaeum Theatre. The play was directed by John Sumner who would have appreciated the acoustics of the 'intimate theatre".
Physical description
Paper program; coloured cover; 16 p. includes articles about the play and the actors.