Portia
so is the will of a living daughter curbed by the will of a dead father.
[1.2.21-22]
Profile
I’m Portia, and I inherited a lot of money from my father when he died. He stated in his will that I have to marry whichever man chooses the right metal casket from a choice of three. I was getting tired of waiting for someone to pick the right casket. So when a man called Bassanio came to my house I had my musicians play a song and hoped that he would choose the right one. We got married, but then Bassanio received a letter telling him that his best friend, Antonio, was in trouble. I wanted to help my husband so my maid Nerissa and I disguised ourselves as lawyers and saved Antonio from Shylock the moneylender’s demands.
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she is fair, and , Of wondrous virtues, - sometimes from her eyes I did receive fair speechless messages:
[fairer than that word] -
All the world desires her. From the four corners of the earth they come To kiss this shrine, this mortal breathing saint.
[2.7.38-40] -
‘Madam, with all my heart; I shall obey you in all fair commands.’
[3.4.35-36] -
‘I wish your ladyship all heart’s content.’
[3.4.42] -
‘Sweet lady, you have given me life and living’
[5.1.286] -
‘O wise and upright judge! How much more elder art thou than thy looks!’
[4.1.246-247]
Portia's' Images

Catherine [Portia] having her photo taken by Brownwen Sharp for the programme and website
Director Bill Buckhurst and Catherine [Portia]
Catherine [Portia] and Racheal [Nerissa]
Racheal [Nerissa] and Catherine [Portia] rehearsing Act 3, Scene 4.

Catherine as Portia.

Catherine [Portia] and Bethan [Jessica]

Catherine [Portia] and Mark [Launcelot Gobbo/Salerio]

Catherine [Portia] in rehearsals.
Catherine [Portia]. © SGT/Ellie Kurttz 2014
Catherine [Portia]. © SGT/Ellie Kurttz 2014





Audio Interviews
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Clip 1
Catherine Bailey discusses her initial impressions of Portia and the play.
Play Interview
Also Called
- Morocco: ‘this shrine’ (2.7.40)
- Morocco: ‘this mortal breathing saint’ (2.7.40)
- Nerissa: ‘sweet madam’ (1.2.3)
- Bassanio: ‘Gentle lady’ (3.2.251)
- Shylock: ‘O noble judge! O excellent young man!’ (4.1.242)
Tweets
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Congratulations and good joy, my lord and lady! #Love
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So many fancy men are trying to win my boss by choosing a box that contains her picture #Love
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I have my disguise and am ready to run #Disguise #Love
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Cant believe my own flesh and blood turned against me! #Love
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Jessica has run away. #Disguise
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My daughter wants to marry. Not without my permission #Love
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Short term loans... the price is always higher than you would expect #Money
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I will take the pound of flesh and use it for fish bait. #Court
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I will take Antonio’s heart if he can’t pay. I loan the money so I make the rules #Money
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If you prick us with a pin, don’t we bleed? And if you treat us badly, won’t we try to get revenge? #Court
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People are often tricked by false appearances. I wasn’t with the chest but was by my wife lol #Disguise
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Cant believe I didn’t recognise my own wife #Disguise
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Really short of cash. Might need a short term loan. #Money
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A lead chest, a Silver chest and a gold chest...hmm which one should I choose? #Love
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Have been asked to give away the ring Portia gave me. Hard, but worth it. Hope she isn’t too angry #Court
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Bassanio wants to borrow money from me in order to try and marry Portia #Love #Money
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My ships are missing. I think they are sunk ....and so am I #Money
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Am waiting to go in to court. Why did I make such a stupid agreement?! #Court
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I hope Bassanio takes the hint and picks the right chest. #Love
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Men all the same. They are drawn to these boxes as moths to a flame. And I bet I know why! #Money
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Cant believe that no one has spotted me yet. Even Bassanio! #Disguise #Court
Relationship Status
Loves Bassanio
Likes
Thinking my way out of trouble, Disguising myself as a man
Dear Agony Aunt
My father’s will says that I have to marry the man who can solve a silly riddle. I want to obey my father’s will, but there is a man I like... What should I do?
Responses
You should tell the answer to the one you love!
- HD
Submitted by hd (not verified) on Wed, 03/05/2014 - 12:31
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