The 16th season of the Merced Shakespearefest has kicked off with a production of “Troilus and Cressida,” in partnership with Merced College.

Shows will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Merced College Theater, 3600 M Street.

“Troilus and Cressida” begins with the Trojan War going on its seventh year. Troilus is King Priam's youngest son; Cressida is the daughter of Calchas, a priest of Troy. Cressida's uncle, Pandarus, encourages a romance that blossoms between the two. Meanwhile, the Greeks besieging Troy are bickering amongst themselves. The Greek general Agamemnon discusses the unsatisfactory military situation with the other leaders Ulysses and Nestor.  In the midst of this, Calchas deserts Troy for the Greek encampment. He proposes a simple barter, the Greeks will exchange a Trojan prisoner for his daughter, Cressida. Agamemnon agrees to this, and Cressida is soon parted from Troilus.

The Shakespearefest production features a cast of over 20 performers, both college students and community actors, and is set in a futuristic, post-apocalyptic world where water is scarce.

Tickets are $ 10 general admission and $8 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or by calling 384-6224. For more information call 723-3265.