PODCAST · arts

Merchant of Venice (version 2)

by William Shakespeare

Perhaps the most controversial of Shakespeare's comedies, The Merchant of Venice tells the tale of a man, Bassanio, who has a crazy plan to woo the heiress, Portia, with money borrowed off an old Jewish money lender, Shylock. However, when the money isn't repaid soon enough, his friend Antonio, the titular Merchant of Venice, may have to pay the ultimate price for Bassanio's big ideas. With a court case in session, it will be up for the play's heroines to sort out the mess caused by their husbands-to-be. (Summary by Charlotte Duckett)This group recording was completed in two weeks as part of Librivox's celebration of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death. Cast List:Duke of Venice, Prince of Arragon, Balthasar, Portia's servant: Phil SchempfPrince of Morocco: Beth ThomasAntonio: Kristin GjerløwBassanio, Launcelot Gobbo (Clown): John BurlinsonSolanio: TriciaGSalarino: LindaBGratiano: SoniaShylock, Lorenzo: Tony AddisonTubal: Maria KasperOld Gobbo, Man from Antonio: Ray KasperLeona