[IMAGE] A white roundel on a black background.
[IMAGE] Two actors, one older male and one younger female, are illuminated against a black background. The older man, dressed in a three-piece suit, is lit by a candle he is holding, with white wax dripping down his hand. The younger woman is holding a lit match and looks determined.

The Merchant of Venice engages with many themes including race, religion, and gender. In conversation with the creative team, company, and external consultants, we have gathered some suggested resources for those who may be affected by the play’s themes, or for those who want to read further about Shakespeare, Jewish theatre artists, antisemitism, how to be an ally, Anti-Racist Shakespeare, celebrating Jewish artists, and more. This is not an exhaustive list, but we hope it provides some useful information.

Most of these books, websites, zines, and blogs are available freely online, or to buy through our online Shop soon.

Explore the Shakespeare’s Globe blog, including a series exploring race and religion in Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice, Early Modern England and the Venetian Ghetto.

Read the Shakespeare's Globe Statement of Intent here.

Learn more.

Celebrating Jewish culture.

Dig deeper: reading for further exploration.

  • Blood Relations: Christian and Jew in The Merchant of Venice, Janet Adelman
  • Fascism: A Warning, Madeleine Albright
  • Strange Hate, Keith Kahn Harris 
  • On Being a Jewish Feminist, Susannah Heschel
  • What Are Jews For? Adam Sutcliffe
  • Chicken Soup and Barley, Arnold Wesker
  • Understanding Antisemitism, Jews For Racial and Economic Justice

Play texts.

  • Once Upon A Time in Nazi Occupied Tunisia, Josh Azouz 
  • Bubble Schmeisis, Nick Cassenbaum 
  • Salty Irina, Eve Leigh
  • The Shylock Play, Julia Pascal 
  • The Birthday Party, Harold Pinter
  • The Merchant, Arnold Wesker