William Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice - Unabridged

"The Merchant of Venice" is among William Shakespeare's most controversial and celebrated plays, nominally billed as a "comedy," but filled with dark themes about racism, antisemitism and an LGBTQ sub-plot as well.  

Young Bassanio wishes to court the heiress Portia, but lacks the funds to do so. His friend Antonio - a rich trader whose investments are tied up in a number of ships at sea - turns to Shylock, a Jewish merchant, for a loan. Shylock agrees to lend Antonio the money, but because Antonio is an anti-semite, he demands that - should Antonio forfeit on the loan - he must turn over to Shylock a pound of his flesh. When Antonio's ships appear to be lost at sea, Shylock presses for the agreed-upon payment and Portia - disguised as a male lawyer - must step forward to fight the case on Antonio's behalf.  

A dark and brilliant examination of race, revenge and redemption, "The Merchant of Venice" has long been hailed as one of Shakespeare's most powerful and fascinating plays. It is presented here in its original and unabridged format.