19:45, Tue 8th – Sat 12th May 2007 at ADC Theatre
Easter Week 2

Portia’s father has died leaving a bevy of suitors trying to solve the riddles on three caskets to win her hand * and her large fortune. Bassanio must raise a sum to travel to Belmont and try his suit. His friend Antonio leverages his credit to secure money from the Jewish money lender Shylock for Bassanio’s quest. All seems to go well for Portia and Bassanio when Antonio’s ships miscarry and Shylock demands the collateral for his loan: a pound of Antonio’s flesh. On their wedding night, Bassanio flees to Venice to be at his friend’s side. Things look ill for Antonio when Portia arrives disguised as a Doctor of Laws (with her waiting woman Narissa disguised as her Clerk) to save Antonio’s life and her marriage. After winning the case, Portia tests Bassanio’s commitment and he is found wanting.