Over the next five years, Shakespeare Dallas and AT&T Performing Arts Center will present staged readings of every single one of Williams Shakespeare's works. The eleventh in the series is The Merchant of Venice.

Venice, 1596. Melancholy Antonio loves the youthful Bassanio, so when Bassanio asks for 3000 ducats, Antonio says yes before knowing it’s to sue for the hand of Portia. His capital tied up in merchant ships at sea, Antonio must go to Shylock, a Jewish moneylender he reviles. Shylock wraps his grudge in kindness, offering a three-month loan at no interest, but if not repaid, Antonio will owe a pound of flesh. The Jew’s daughter elopes with a Christian, whetting Shylock’s hatred. While Bassanio’s away wooing Portia, Antonio’s ships founder, Shylock demands his pound of flesh. With court assembled and a judgment due, Portia swings into action to save Bassanio’s friend., 

Performances will take place in Hamon Hall.