The Merchant of Venice

Corrupt, opulent, economically dependent on the feared and despised Jewish population, the Venetian Republic is forced to maintain the image of a state of law. Antonio lives in luxury, keeping around him swindlers, prostitutes, murderers and professional seducers. But, although surrounded by the world, he is alone. Bassanio, who was raised by him and who squandered half of his fortune, asks him for a new loan, so that he can finance a project that will free him from debt: an advantageous marriage.

But there is no money in Venice. He must turn to his greatest enemy – a Jewess.

Shylock agrees to lend him the money, but to avenge the many insults she has suffered at Antonio’s hands, she sets him a humiliating condition: that if he does not pay the debt on time, a pound of his flesh will belong to her.

Lorenzo, one of the clique led by Bassanio, is ordered to seduce and kidnap Jessica, Shylock’s daughter, who robs her mother and runs away from home.

Portia, the wife whom Bassanio wants to seduce, is rich, but she cannot use her inheritance unless she marries according to the will, which stipulates the following lottery: whoever wants to marry her must choose correctly between three chests – gold, silver and lead.

Bassanio chooses correctly, but too late, because in the meantime, all of Antonio’s ships sink and, unable to pay the bill to the Jewess, he is forced to respect the condition set by her.

Portia disguises herself as a man to play the role of judge in Shylock’s trial against Antonio and manages to turn him against her. The Jewess is convicted of attempting to kill a Christian. As punishment, she is forced to give up her fortune and convert to Christianity.

Portia asks Bassanio for his engagement ring as payment, which he gives her, much to her disappointment. Back home, Portia confronts him with a new trial, which reveals the falsity of their relationship.