Der Kaufmann von Venedig

by William Shakespeare

"Der Kaufmann von Venedig" by William Shakespeare is a play written between 1596 and 1598. When merchant Antonio borrows money from the Jewish moneylender Shylock to help his friend Bassanio court the wealthy Portia, he agrees to an unusual condition: if he cannot repay the debt on time, Shylock may claim a pound of his flesh. Meanwhile, Portia's suitors must choose among three caskets to win her hand. As Antonio's ships go missing and the debt comes due, these two storylines converge in a courtroom where justice and mercy collide.