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Written between 1596 and 1598 and published in 1600, The Merchant of Venice most notably touches on the troubling subject of antisemitism. While critical debate rages about Shakespeare’s actual attitudes toward Jewish culture, it is difficult to deny that the eventual fate of Shylock is not in accord with today’s view of social justice.
Antonio, a wealthy and popular merchant, finds himself in financial difficulty due to the late. return of some ships with rich cargoes. In need of immediate cash, he approaches a Jewish money lender, Shylock, who has become rich by charging interest on his loans. After berating Antonio for his practice of lending money to his own friends without interest, Shylock agrees to provide 3000 ducats, with a very curious bond - a pound of the merchant’s flesh, to be levied if Antonio fails to make a timely repayment. Feeling extremely confident that his argosies will arrive in time for him to cover the debt, Antonio agrees to this bizarre transaction.
A subplot involves a wealthy gentlewoman, Portia, who, under the terms of her father’s will has to choose a suitor using a curious ritual. Applicants are invited to choose from three locked caskets, one of gold, one of silver and one of lead, one of which contains a picture of Portia. He who chooses the casket with the picture will wed Portia immediately: the unsuccessful applicants have to agree to cease courting not just Portia, but also any other prospective marriage partner. Portia’s preferred suitor is a young Venetian, Bassanio, who is a close friend of Antonio. Fortunately for Portia, Bassanio chooses the right casket, after two previous aristocratic suitors have chosen incorrectly.
Antonio’s ships fail to arrive in time for him to be able to satisfy the debt, and he is hauled into court to respond to Shylock’s claim for his bond. In a male disguise, Portia appears in court as an advocate to represent Antonio. Due to her skilful representation, Shylock is not only denied his bond, but is also charged with attempting to endanger the life of Antonio. Under Venetian law, half the wealth of an “alien”who commits such an offence against a Venetian citizen will default to the State and the other half to the intended victim. The Duke agrees to waive the state’s share and Antonio takes a life interest in the share available to him. Two further penalties are imposed on Shylock: that in his will his estate be bequeathed to his daughter Jessica and her Christian lover, Lorenzo, and that Shylock himself will “presently become a Christian.”
Featuring the voices of Denis Daly, Catherina Bilson, Alexandra Lee Smith, Gary D. Macfadden, Blaise Doran, Graham Scott, Roberta Jackson, Josh Innerst, Simon Paxton, Alan Weyman, Emma Faye and Marty Krz.
Audio edited by Denis Daly
The text used for this performance was kindly provided by playshakespeare.com.

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