THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

Bassiano a noble Venetian hopes to woo the beautiful heiress Portia. However he requires financial assistance from his friend Antonio. Antonio agrees but he in turn must borrow from the Jewish moneylender Shylock. As recourse for past ills Shylock stipulates that the forfeit on the loan must be a pound of Antonio's flesh. In the most renowned onstage law scene of all time Portia proves herself one of Shakespeare's most cunning heroines disguising herself as a lawyer and vanquishing Shylock's claims meanwhile Shylock triumphs on a humanitarian level with his plea for tolerance 'Hath not a Jew eyes?'