Jen Taylor and Richard Nguyen Sloniker. Photo by HMMM Productions. Photo

From: Photo Flash: Seattle Shakespeare Presents THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

The wealthy heiress Portia is forced to set her suitors a challenge for her hand in marriage. In order to woo her, Bassanio finances his plan with money borrowed from his friend Antonio. All would be fine except Antonio has taken out a loan from the moneylender Shylock on the assurance that his ships will make it back to the city. They don't, and Shylock demands repayment with a pound of Antonio's flesh.