The Merchant of Venice (version 2)

William Shakespeare (1564 - 1616)

Perhaps the most controversial of Shakespeare's comedies, The Merchant of Venice tells the tale of a man, Bassanio, who has a crazy plan to woo the heiress, Portia, with money borrowed off an old Jewish money lender, Shylock. However, when the money isn't repaid soon enough, his friend Antonio, the titular Merchant of Venice, may have to pay the ultimate price for Bassanio's big ideas. With a court case in session, it will be up for the play's heroines to sort out the mess caused by their husbands-to-be. (Summary by Charlotte Duckett)

This group recording was completed in two weeks as part of Librivox's celebration of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death.

Cast List:

Duke of Venice, Prince of Arragon, Balthasar, Portia's servant: Phil Schempf
Prince of Morocco: Beth Thomas
Antonio: Kristin Gjerløw
Bassanio, Launcelot Gobbo (Clown): John Burlinson
Solanio: TriciaG
Salarino: LindaB
Gratiano: Sonia
Shylock, Lorenzo: Tony Addison
Tubal: Maria Kasper
Old Gobbo, Man from Antonio: Ray Kasper
Leonardo: Kathrine Engan
Portia: Charlotte Duckett
Nerissa: Jennifer Fournier
Jessica: Rachel
Messenger: Lydia
Narrator: Glenn O'Brien

Audio edited by: Adele de Pignerolles, Rachel, Kristin Gjerløw, Maria Kasper, and Esther ben Simonides
Prooflistening by: Adele de Pignerolles, Charlotte Duckett, and Esther ben Simonides

Genre(s): Comedy

Language: English

Section Chapter Reader Time
Play 01 Act 1 Group 00:30:10
Play 02 Act 2 Group 00:41:56
Play 03 Act 3 Group 00:38:44
Play 04 Act 4 Group 00:26:49
Play 05 Act 5 Group 00:18:18