The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare's most popular comedies, but it remains deeply controversial.

The text may seem anti-Semitic; yet repeatedly, in performance, it has revealed a contrasting nature.

Shylock, though vanquished in the law-court, often triumphs in the theatre.

In his intensity he can dominate the play, challenging abrasively its romantic and lyrical affirmations.

What results is a bitter-sweet drama. Though The Merchant of Venice offers some of the traditional pleasures of romantic comedy, it also exposes the operations of prejudice.

Thus Shakespeare remains our contemporary.