The Merchant of Venice
From April to June 2012, Shakespeare’s Globe brought theatre companies from around the world to perform all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays in 37 languages. The Globe to Globe season was part of the World Shakespeare Festival for the London 2012 Festival.
The Merchant of Venice is no longer available but you can still see some of the Globe to Globe plays featured on The Space.
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
Performed in Hebrew by the Habima National Theatre
(with subtitles in English)
THE COMPANY
The Habima Theatre began in Moscow in 1917, later moving to Tel Aviv. It promotes the Hebrew language and culture, while exploring Jewish themes. Plays, including those of Shakespeare, have been interpreted to shed light on contemporary Israeli issues.
THE PLAY
When Bassanio needs money to pursue the wealthy Portia, his best friend, Antonio, borrows 3,000 ducats from Shylock the Jew, with interest set at “a pound of flesh”. When Antonio’s ships are rumoured to be lost, Shylock demands the return of his bond. Meanwhile, Bassanio wins the hand of Portia, who, disguised as a lawyer, comes to Antonio’s aid, freeing him from his bond of debt and humiliating Shylock in the process.
PRINCIPAL CAST AND CREDITS
Antonio: Alon Ophir
Bassanio: Yousef Sweid
Shylock: Jacob Cohen
Portia: Hila Feldman
Director: Ilan Ronen
Translation: Dori Parnes
Music: Ori Vidislavski