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Merchant of Venice

Merchant of Venice

By: William Shakespeare
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 Step into the world of William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice, a compelling tale likely penned between 1596 and 1598 and included in the First Folio of 1623. At the heart of the story lies Bassanio, a down-on-his-luck gentleman, who enlists the help of his friend Antonio, a merchant, to secure a loan from the wealthy and vengeful Shylock. The stakes are high if Antonio fails to repay, he must forfeit a pound of flesh. This loan is intended to help Bassanio woo the beautiful heiress Portia. Meanwhile, a subplot unfolds as Shylocks daughter, Jessica, elopes with Lorenzo, a Christian friend of Bassanio. While the play explores themes of love and marriage akin to Shakespeares other comedies, it also delves into the darker tensions between Jews and Christians in Renaissance Venice, culminating in a gripping trial scene in Act 4. Join us for a rich audio experience narrated by Elizabeth Klett and a talented cast.Copyright Comedy and Fairy Tales Art Drama & Plays Literary History & Criticism
Episodes
  • 006 - Act V

    006 - Act V
    Nov 18 2025
    Step into the world of William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice, a compelling tale likely penned between 1596 and 1598 and included in the First Folio of 1623. At the heart of the story lies Bassanio, a down-on-his-luck gentleman, who enlists the help of his friend Antonio, a merchant, to secure a loan from the wealthy and vengeful Shylock. The stakes are high if Antonio fails to repay, he must forfeit a pound of flesh. This loan is intended to help Bassanio woo the beautiful heiress Portia. Meanwhile, a subplot unfolds as Shylocks daughter, Jessica, elopes with Lorenzo, a Christian friend of Bassanio. While the play explores themes of love and marriage akin to Shakespeares other comedies, it also delves into the darker tensions between Jews and Christians in Renaissance Venice, culminating in a gripping trial scene in Act 4. Join us for a rich audio experience narrated by Elizabeth Klett and a talented cast.
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    16 mins
  • 005 - Act IV

    005 - Act IV
    Nov 18 2025
    Step into the world of William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice, a compelling tale likely penned between 1596 and 1598 and included in the First Folio of 1623. At the heart of the story lies Bassanio, a down-on-his-luck gentleman, who enlists the help of his friend Antonio, a merchant, to secure a loan from the wealthy and vengeful Shylock. The stakes are high if Antonio fails to repay, he must forfeit a pound of flesh. This loan is intended to help Bassanio woo the beautiful heiress Portia. Meanwhile, a subplot unfolds as Shylocks daughter, Jessica, elopes with Lorenzo, a Christian friend of Bassanio. While the play explores themes of love and marriage akin to Shakespeares other comedies, it also delves into the darker tensions between Jews and Christians in Renaissance Venice, culminating in a gripping trial scene in Act 4. Join us for a rich audio experience narrated by Elizabeth Klett and a talented cast.
    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • 004 - Act III

    004 - Act III
    Nov 18 2025
    Step into the world of William Shakespeares The Merchant of Venice, a compelling tale likely penned between 1596 and 1598 and included in the First Folio of 1623. At the heart of the story lies Bassanio, a down-on-his-luck gentleman, who enlists the help of his friend Antonio, a merchant, to secure a loan from the wealthy and vengeful Shylock. The stakes are high if Antonio fails to repay, he must forfeit a pound of flesh. This loan is intended to help Bassanio woo the beautiful heiress Portia. Meanwhile, a subplot unfolds as Shylocks daughter, Jessica, elopes with Lorenzo, a Christian friend of Bassanio. While the play explores themes of love and marriage akin to Shakespeares other comedies, it also delves into the darker tensions between Jews and Christians in Renaissance Venice, culminating in a gripping trial scene in Act 4. Join us for a rich audio experience narrated by Elizabeth Klett and a talented cast.
    Show More Show Less
    37 mins
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