In this lively comedy of love and money in sixteenthcentury Venice, Bassanio wants to impress the wealthy heiress Portia but lacks the necessary funds. He turns to his merchant friend, Antonio, who is forced to borrow from Shylock, a Jewish moneylender. When Antonio’s business falters, repayment becomes impossible-and by the terms of the loan agreement, Shylock is able to demand a pound of Antonio’s flesh.