Using Shakespeare’s ‘The Merchant of Venice” as a foundation for discussion, this episode studies the historical moment in which Shakespeare was writing about Venetian religious and cultural composition, how Shakespeare grapples with religious and cultural identity and how the text of this controversial play written in 1596 can teach us about empathy, here in the 21st century.

This episode is hosted by Meagan Harris, Programs & Marketing Associate at Shakespeare Dallas. Our guests are Bishop Ackerman, Assisting Anglo-Catholic Bishop of the Diocese of Fort Worth; Professor Moss, Associate Professor of English at Southern Methodist University; and Rabbi Stern, Rabbi of Temple Emanu-El in Dallas, Texas.

Shakespeare Dallas is a non-profit theater company located in Dallas, Texas. To keep this podcast and other educational programming free and accessible, donate here: https://www.shakespearedallas.org/give/