The Merchant of Venice (2016)

The year is 1938 and the world is on the brink of war. During this time, in the city of Venice, a young gentleman named Bassanio desires a guarantor for a loan of three thousand ducats to court the wealthy heiress of Belmont, Portia. He approaches his friend Antonio the merchant to be his guarantor. However, Antonio's recent ventures have left him short of money. Nevertheless, Antonio accepts Bassanio's request. They meet with the moneylender Shylock, who despises Antonio, due to his discrimination of Jews and his support of the Nazi political party. Shylock agrees to a short-term loan, grasping at an opportunity to exact his revenge upon Antonio and expresses that should the debt not be paid on time, the forfeit will be a pound of Antonio's flesh. Antonio smugly agrees to the bond, firmly believing that he will have treble the money that Shylock asks for in return before the debt expires. But all does not sail smoothly. Younity Theatre present Shakespeare's renowned tragic comedy in a light that showcases the dark and anti-semitic themes surrounding this famed story.