This play presents the best argument I've ever heard for the continuing relevance of the character Shylock. Set against an enlightening story about the soul-destroying nature of pride, Mazer shows us a protagonist whose descent is entirely believable and relevant to us. While giving fair due to Shakespeare's treatment of Shylock's Jewishness, Mazer's script then delves beneath it to explore Shylock's own individual choices, and what we can learn from them about the mingling of love and money, and the transcendent nature of mercy.

Why isn't everyone producing this play? It's funny. It's tragic. It's honest. It's about Shakespeare. It's about love. It's about academia. It's about theatre: process, rehearsal, dramaturgy. It's really well written. It's easy to stage with only four actors. This play's the thing, really. Read it. Produce it. Toda.