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.

Portia

falls in love with…

Find Out

Friends

Bassanio, Nerissa

  1. Bassanio
    she is fair, and , Of wondrous virtues, - sometimes from her eyes I did receive fair speechless messages:
    [fairer than that word]
  2. Antonio
    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]
  3. Lorenzo
    ‘Madam, with all my heart; I shall obey you in all fair commands.’
    [3.4.35-36]
  4. Jessica
    ‘I wish your ladyship all heart’s content.’
    [3.4.42]
  5. Antonio
    ‘Sweet lady, you have given me life and living’
    [5.1.286]
  6. Shylock
    ‘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

  1. 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

  • Congratulations and good joy, my lord and lady! #Love
  • So many fancy men are trying to win my boss by choosing a box that contains her picture #Love
  • I have my disguise and am ready to run #Disguise #Love
  • Cant believe my own flesh and blood turned against me! #Love
  • Jessica has run away. #Disguise
  • My daughter wants to marry. Not without my permission #Love
  • Short term loans... the price is always higher than you would expect #Money
  • I will take the pound of flesh and use it for fish bait. #Court
  • I will take Antonio’s heart if he can’t pay. I loan the money so I make the rules #Money
  • 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
  • People are often tricked by false appearances. I wasn’t with the chest but was by my wife lol #Disguise
  • Cant believe I didn’t recognise my own wife #Disguise
  • Really short of cash. Might need a short term loan. #Money
  • A lead chest, a Silver chest and a gold chest...hmm which one should I choose? #Love
  • Have been asked to give away the ring Portia gave me. Hard, but worth it. Hope she isn’t too angry #Court
  • Bassanio wants to borrow money from me in order to try and marry Portia #Love #Money
  • My ships are missing. I think they are sunk ....and so am I #Money
  • Am waiting to go in to court. Why did I make such a stupid agreement?! #Court
  • I hope Bassanio takes the hint and picks the right chest. #Love
  • Men all the same. They are drawn to these boxes as moths to a flame. And I bet I know why! #Money
  • 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

Reply