Portia expresses her prejudice against the Prince of Morocco in The Merchant of Venice, reflecting the play's exploration of xenophobia and discrimination. This production emphasizes these themes through Elise Thoron's modern-verse translation, maintaining the original rhythm while clarifying the text's meaning. Bassanio seeks a loan from his friend Antonio, who struggles financially and turns to Shylock for help. The plot thickens with Shylock's vengeful demand for a pound of flesh, as both he and Antonio navigate their mutual contempt, complicating character portrayals within the story.
"In Portland Shakespeare Project's current staging of the play, the words are barely out of Portia's mouth before we hear offstage drunken laughter that emphasizes her xenophobia and provides a potent reminder that Merchant may be called a comedy, but this version is intent on grappling with the prejudices displayed by its characters."
"This production makes sure we don't miss its meaning, thanks to Elise Thoron's modern-verse translation, which retains the rhythm of Shakespeare's language so well you might not notice you're hearing an update."
"Shylock is fed up with being literally spat upon by the contemptuous Christians in Venice - including the otherwise kindly Antonio - and makes a macabre deal: If you can't pay me back in three months, you'll have to pay with a pound of your flesh."
"Neither this production, as directed by Avital Shira, nor Shakespeare completely reviles one character. Sahler's Antonio, for instance, is a selfless friend to Bassanio, but has no compunction about telling Shylock he's a devil and a dog."
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