theatre dybbuk and the Museum of Jewish Montreal (MJM) proudly present the Canadian premiere of The Villainy You Teach, a performance art piece inspired by a Shakespearian text.

The character of Shylock in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice has long been a source of debate. Some have argued that his is an antisemitic portrait with long-lasting effects on the perception of Jews in our world, while others have stated that the character is a nuanced portrayal that, especially given the time and place of his creation, is empathetic to his plight. Often, at the centre of this debate is found a speech in which Shylock proclaims his humanity while defending his vengeful desires.

In The Villainy You Teach, theatre dybbuk explodes this famous speech and, through the use of heightened theatricality and repetition, investigates the ways in which language can both take on a wide variety of meanings and lose all meaning through persistent examination and exposure.

Audience members are invited to witness an actor perform this brief speech repeatedly over the course of most of the length of the play, reciting it dozens, if not hundreds, of times. This action is accompanied by a simultaneous performed reading of Merchant in its entirety – its words acting as the container within which Shylock's speech exists. Audience members can stay in the space for the duration of the (approximately) two hour and thirty minute performance or they can come and go, engaging with the event in the manner that they choose.

Admission to The Villainy You Teach is FREE. A suggested donation of $8 is welcomed upon entry. Early registration is appreciated for all who wish to attend.

Accessibility: Please note that our building is currently not accessible to visitors with limited mobility. This performance will take place on multiple levels.

About theatre dybbuk

Founded in 2011 and based in Los Angeles, theatre dybbuk creates provocative performances and innovative educational encounters that explore Jewish thought to illuminate universal human experience. theatre dybbuk envisions a world where people challenge themselves to revel in the complexity of our shared humanity.

From November 14-18, 2024, the Museum of Jewish Montreal is welcoming theatre dybbuk to its space for a presentation of live theatrical performances and other public programs. Click here to learn more about the residency.

This program is made possible with thanks to the support of the Covenant Foundation.