The Merchant of Venice

'If you prick us, do we not bleed?'

Part of the 2012 Globe to Globe Festival.
The Habima is the centre of Hebrew-language theatre worldwide. Founded in Moscow after the 1905 revolution, the company toured the world before eventually settling in Tel Aviv in the late 1920s. Since 1958, they have been recognised as the national theatre of Israel. This production, of one of Shakespeare's most controversial and most human plays, marks their first visit to the UK.

Synopsis

When Bassanius needs money to pursue the wealthy Portia, his best friend, Antonio, borrows 3,000 ducats from Shylock the Jew, with interest of “a pound of flesh”. When Antonio’s ships are rumoured to be lost, Shylock demands the return of his bond. Meanwhile, Bassianus wins the hand of Portia, who, disguised as a lawyer, comes to Antonio’s aid, freeing him from his bond of debt and humiliating Shylock in the process.

Running time: 135 mins