Jessica (The Merchant of Venice) Shylock's line's adherence to the Jewish faith. Literary critics have historically viewed the character negatively, highlighting her theft of her father's gold, her betrayal of his trust, and apparently selfish motivations and aimless behaviour. Since the end of the 20th century their views have been more moderate and nuanced, pointing to an alternate reading that allows her actions to be motivated by love and generosity, and being driven by Shylock's own tyrannical and immoral behaviour. The central plot of "The Merchant of Venice" is relatively straightforward: Antonio borrows money from Shylock to help his friend, Bassanio, court Portia, but, through
The Chesapeake Shakespeare Company The Country Wife Directed by Heather Nathans 2009 Cyrano de Bergerac Directed by Ian Gallanar 2009 Twelfth Night Directed by Jenny Leopold 2009 Julius Caesar Directed by Frank Moorman 2010 Lysistrata Directed by Ian Gallanar 2010 Much Ado About Nothing Directed by Ryan Whinnem 2010 Hamlet Directed by Ian Gallanar 2010 Titus Andronicus Directed by Kevin Costa 2011 Cymbeline Directed by Ian Gallanar 2011 A Midsummer Night's Dream Directed by Ian Gallanar 2011 The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged) Directed by Scott Alan Small 2011 Our Town Directed by Ian Gallanar 2012 The Merchant of Venice Directed by Teresa