See The Merchant of Venice in a new light in our ‘heart-wrenching’ ★★★★ (The Guardian) and ‘tremendously sensitive’ ★★★★ (The Stage) 2021 production, performed by candlelight and filmed live in the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse. Looking at the story in a contemporary context, this production asks us to confront and question our own prejudices in the here and now.

Director Abigail Graham (Macbeth, Globe Theatre) and the Company, including Sophie Melville (Iphigenia in Splott, Lyric) and Adrian Schiller (Victoria, ITV), reclaim Shakespeare’s disturbing tale.

Synopsis

Antonio, the Merchant of Venice, borrows money from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, against a bond of a pound of his own flesh. He lends it to Bassiano so he can woo the wealthy Portia, who is being sold off in a game of luck by her father.

Meanwhile Shylock’s daughter, Jessica, is attempting to shape her own future against her father’s wishes, by marrying a Christian, Lorenzo.

If Shylock plays by others’ rules, can he win? If Jessica joins the rule-makers, can she lose? Or can the powerful simply change the game to suit themselves at every turn?

Running time: 110 mins

Content guidance: This production contains racism, including antisemitism and anti-black racism. It also includes strong language, scenes of a sexual nature, flash photography and loud noises.  

This film was made possible thanks to a generous donation from Shakespeare’s Globe USA, with special thanks to Alan Jones, Michael Lebovitz, Amy Griggs Kliger and the Directors of Shakespeare’s Globe USA.

Post-Show Resources

The Merchant of Venice engages with many themes including race, religion, and gender. In conversation with the creative team, company, and external consultants, we have gathered some suggested resources for those who may be affected by the play’s themes, or for those who want to read further about the production’s topics.