THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
THE LONDON THEATRE
Comic, compelling and tragic, The Merchant of Venice is a thrilling journey of love and betrayal where the lines between justice and vengeance are blurred.
Shakespeare's most provocative comedy still has the power to shock, enthrall and disturb on a blistering journey of laughter and tears.
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Young and impulsive, Bassanio is certain he can prove himself and win the heart of the wealthy Portia. Yet saddled with debt he can’t even get to see her. When his oldest friend, Antonio, offers to borrow the money for him they have no option but to turn Jewish misfit Shylock. Bullied and persecuted by them both, will failure to pay give Shylock the opportunity to demand his pound of flesh and enact ultimate revenge? In this world of men and money can the beautiful Portia outwit them all to find love and stop a murder?
Venture Wolf’s staging sees the action set against a backdrop of 1980’s Britain. A time of ambition and hardship where new moral values offered excitement and tragedy, challenging old loyalty and social structures. Though Basanio’s group of mates live for the thrill of love and fun, he dreams of a new life with the rich and beautiful Portia. His oldest friend Antonio, having successfully embraced the new wealth, offers to help pay for him to see her, by borrowing the money against his shares in shipping. After years of cruel treatment and resentment towards Shylock, a hard working but unlikeable immigrant, they have no choice but to turn to him for a loan. Arrogant and self-assured Antonio never doubts he can meet the repayment yet if his ships fails to come in it will cost him his life.