Merchant on Venice was a unique spin on Shakespeare's tale, set on the street in Venice Beach, California, in the midst of a conflict between the Hindus and the Muslims of the neighborhood.The clown Tooranpoi had the audience in stitches with his monologue about running away from home.Holi, a Hindu festival, was brought to life on stage. A tradition of the festival is throwing colored powder at other revelers. For our representation, colored confetti stood in for the powder, creating a rainbow-colored cloud over the cast and audience.Later, the show turns dark as Sharuk (Shylock) attempts to collect his "pound of flesh."In the end, Kavita makes a plea for mercy that helps save Devendra's life.