What if Portia’s appearance as a male lawyer in court wasn’t the first—or last—time she dressed in drag?
Portia is a noblewoman in 16th century Venice, She wants to be a lawyer, but that profession is reserved for men. Her lawyer cousin Bellario won’t teach her. Her husband Bassanio is in serious legal trouble … and he’s in love with his best friend Antonio. Things are not going well. What’s a girl to do?
1. Create an alter ego (enter Balthazar).
2. Trick Bellario.
3. Represent Antonio (and Bassanio) in court.
This riff on Shakespeare’s THE MERCHANT OF VENICE is a life-and-death journey through the law, love, and gender identity.
Developed in our Lab and Script-In-Hand Series + Words Cubed at Utah Shakespeare Festival.
Jason Bowcutt, Lily Hye Soo Dixon