Through the centuries actors, directors, and audiences have had a complex attitude of both attraction and revulsion to The Merchant of Venice. Somewhat perplexingly labeled one of Shakespeare's "comedies," the play considers such weighty themes as mercy and revenge, as well as prejudice toward and mistreatment of outsiders, as represented by Shylock, the Jewish moneylender. […]
SOURCE: Maryland Theatre Guide at 12:11PM on June 12, 2016