Shakespeare Reading Group: The Merchant of Venice
- Virtual Event via Zoom
Led by William Shakespeare aficionado Carl Steidtmann, this seven-week reading group is for both first-time and experienced Shakespeare readers. As 1.5-hour participatory discussions, this group is for anyone who might like to do some reading aloud, acting or presenting. The overall emphasis is on enjoyment of The Merchant of Venice as the group discusses the play, reads brief excerpts together, studies a theatrical presentation, and learns about the playwright and his world.
About The Merchant of Venice
In The Merchant of Venice, the path to marriage is hazardous. To win Portia, Bassanio must pass a test prescribed by her father’s will, choosing correctly among three caskets or chests. If he fails, he may never marry at all. Bassanio and Portia also face a magnificent villain, the moneylender Shylock. In creating Shylock, Shakespeare seems to have shared in a widespread prejudice against Jews. Shylock would have been regarded as a villain because he was a Jew. Yet he gives such powerful expression to his alienation due to the hatred around him that, in many productions, he emerges as the hero. Portia is most remembered for her disguise as a lawyer, Balthazar, especially the speech in which she urges Shylock to show mercy that “droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven.” — Courtesy of Folger Shakespeare Library
About Carl Steidtmann
After spending 35 years as a professional economist, Carl Steidtmann retired to pursue his youthful passions of history and Shakespeare. After three pilgrimages to Stratford-on-Avon and five years participating in Sally Frostic’s annual Shakespeare reading group at the library, he took over the teaching of this discussion in 2019. As of 2024, Carl is also a Trustee of the Board of the American Shakespeare Center.
How to join the The Merchant of Venice reading group
Since the Shakespeare Reading Group is gathering virtually on Zoom there will be no cap on the group size. This is a seven-part program built on group discussion and contribution, and participants are asked to commit to the reading and attend most of the sessions. The sessions will NOT be recorded. It is a livestream gathering, and attendees must plan to attend the live virtual sessions.
The workshop will be using the Folger Edition of The Merchant of Venice. As of late December, the Library's 30 loaner print copies of The Merchant of Venice are all checked out, however Folger Shakespeare Library is pleased to offer free downloadable files of The Merchant of Venice.
To join the group, register at the link above. We'll will send you a confirmation, then follow-up emails with Zoom access, details about securing books, and ongoing updates pertinent to the Shakespeare Reading Group.