EPISODE · Jul 8, 2026 · 25 MIN
The Merchant of Venice Act I
from The Shakespeare Library · host William Shakespeare
In which we meet the thoughtful merchant Antonio, perplexed by a melancholy he knows not the cause of, and his hopeful kinsman Bassanio, who seeks means to woo the wealthy Portia by way of a bond with the moneylender Shylock, whose wary dealings shadow their commerce with latent strife. Meanwhile, Portia contemplates the suitors her father’s will compels her to choose amongst, revealing her keen wit and constrained heart amidst the grand pageant of Venetian society.
What this episode covers
In which we meet the thoughtful merchant Antonio, perplexed by a melancholy he knows not the cause of, and his hopeful kinsman Bassanio, who seeks means to woo the wealthy Portia by way of a bond with the moneylender Shylock, whose wary dealings shadow their commerce with latent strife. Meanwhile, Portia contemplates the suitors her father’s will compels her to choose amongst, revealing her keen wit and constrained heart amidst the grand pageant of Venetian society.
NOW PLAYING
The Merchant of Venice Act I
No transcript for this episode yet
Similar Episodes
Mar 26, 2026 ·1m
Mar 19, 2026 ·34m
Feb 18, 2026 ·11m
Feb 11, 2026 ·45m