The Merchant of Venice

An abridgement for performance by young people and amateur adults, “road tested” at the Folger Shakespeare Library’s Student Shakespeare Festival.

---

"A master at engaging students in the process of performing a Shakespeare
scene."—Janet Field-Pickering, head of education, Folger Shakespeare Library

The Merchant of Venice: The 30-Minute Shakespeare features eight scenes from this gripping classic: Shylock loans Antonio money, with the forfeit being a pound of Antonio's flesh. Comedic mayhem ensues as two foreign princes attempt to win Portia's hand. The climax is the courtroom scene where Portia, disguised as a lawyer, subjects Shylock to his harsh penalty. The drama concludes with reconciliations that land us firmly back in comic territory.

The edition includes a preface by Nick Newlin, containing helpful advice on presenting Shakespeare in a high school setting with novice actors, as well as an appendix with play-specific suggestions and recommendations for further resources.