First Thursdays: Parsing Antisemitism in the Merchant of Venice

Parsing Antisemitism in the Merchant of Venice with Dr. Brien Brothman
Thursday, February 1, 7:30 pm (Hybrid)

Of all Shakespeare’s plays, The Merchant of Venice was apparently among Hitler’s favorites. Germans enjoyed many performances during the Third Reich, including a special radio broadcast shortly after Kristallnacht. For some, this seems to settle any arguments about the play’s anti-Judaic racism, an enduring form of hatred that is now swirling in our very midst. So, is the question of the play’s unvarnished antisemitism settled? Or did Shylock and his daughter Jessica serve other purposes in the Bard’s mind? Should we care?

No cost for congregants; $15 for non-members.
Registration is required.