Shakespeare’s classic study of power and prejudice, set in today’s world, shows the consequences of how we choose to treat the ‘others’ in our midst
Date/Time: Jul 15 2017, 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Vancouver, Douglas Campbell TheatreCost: $21.00
Find tickets: here
Directed by Nigel Shawn Williams
A deeply fascinating study in contrasts, Shakespeare’s timeless drama, set this season in modern-day Venice, exposes the consequences of how we treat outsiders in our midst. Portia and Bassanio discover true love but the merchant Antonio and the moneylender Shylock are driven by prejudice and the craving for revenge, as they move ever closer to a devastating judgement day.
The Story
This production is set in present-day Venice. At a street café in the Rialto, Bassanio, heir to a textile company, confides to his friend, Antonio, that he is broke. He wants to marry Portia, a wealthy heiress, and hopes to borrow some money so he can properly woo her. Antonio, a successful merchant, explains his fortune is tied up in offshore ventures. He suggests Bassanio approach Shylock, a local moneylender, and offers to secure the bond.
Bassanio and Antonio meet with Shylock, who agrees to a three-month loan with one condition: if the bond is not repaid on time, Antonio will owe Shylock a pound of his flesh. Antonio agrees to the terms.
At her Belmont home, Portia talks with Nerissa, her chief of staff, about her predicament; she is obligated to marry the man who succeeds in a high-stakes task ordered by her deceased father. A messenger reports that a suitor from Venice is making his way to Belmont. Nerissa secretly hopes it is Bassanio.
Back in Venice, Bassanio prepares to leave for Belmont with his friend, Gratiano. Meanwhile, Shylock’s daughter, Jessica, runs away from home with her father’s jewels and money to elope with Lorenzo, a man she knows Shylock would reject as a husband.
In Belmont, Portia entertains two princes at her residence. Each fails the required assignment. Bassanio arrives at Portia’s home and successfully completes the task, thus winning her hand. They soon fall in love and marry. Gratiano and Nerissa also have feelings for each other and get married. Portia and Nerissa give their husbands rings as bonds of their love; the men vow never to give the rings away.
Lorenzo, Jessica and their friend, Saleria, appear at Belmont with news that Antonio has defaulted on Shylock’s bond. Bassanio and Gratiano immediately set out for Venice with money from Portia to repay the loan. Portia and Nerissa follow without their husbands’ knowledge, leaving Lorenzo and Jessica behind to mind the estate.
At the courthouse in Venice, the Duke of Venice presides over Shylock’s case against Antonio. Portia and Nerissa enter the courtroom disguised as Balthazar, a young lawyer, and his clerk. As Balthazar, Portia uncovers loopholes in Shylock’s case and proves he has no legal standing to claim his penalty.
Prejudice, the strangle hold of patriarchy, and the impact of one’s choices come face to face as this story concludes. Truths are revealed and all must face the consequences of their actions.
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