Hmmm....directing? I'll try and articulate this as best I can.

I would begin taking a direction by studying the diverse issues the play has presented to the audience for centuries. For shock value, I would attempt to show the distinctions/differences between Christianity and Judaism. And why, during this time, was there so much controversy and discrimination between the two. I would want the audience to understand, through some shocking manner, the discrimination involved in the play. I would want it to raise questions, and for them to experience something emotional, and try to understand what it meant to be a Jew at that time and what it was like to be a Christian. I would want them to see inconsistencies with both sides in all of the characters. Understanding the values of each religion is vital, and I feel that one should be able to see how the characters show the quality of their beliefs and practice them as well. (to see if that quality/practice is really there) However, if I were to direct this play I would want to have the language translated. As brilliant as Shakespeare writes, I will admit that it means more to me when I understand through modern translation. It is easier to retain, and to understand the issues taking place, and what is being said in general. I feel that I appreciate it more, too. Having it take place at the same time yet with language translation would be easier for me to convey a story to the audience.

Anyway....

A heavy theme in the play is justice versus mercy. Shylock feels scorned, and deeply wronged and seeks justice whereas Portia (as shown later on in the plot) wants to show mercy, and do what she feels is right. She comes off to me as a typical heroine (very human), and I enjoy her character. Shylock and Portia may seem very different, but in a way I believe they are very similar because they both simply are doing what they feel is right. However, I find that Shylock is slightly more sure of himself and much more black/white with his feelings, actions etc. Yet I also find this somewhat rightfully so considering the situation he finds himself in. Portia seems to be stumbling a bit, and trying to discover herself more in a way. She seems sure, but has her moments of circumstantial doubt just like most classic heroins. Having read the play before, I've heard many people refer to Shylock as a "monster", and I would have to disagree. I understand why people could feel that way, but I believe if you got into his shoes, really understand how he was feeling, you would understand why he was so angry. I think showing this in the play is very important. The audience needs to understand each characters story. Why do the characters do the things they do? Why are they the way they are? The audience doesn't necessarily have to agree with the characters, but I believe they should have respect, and a clear knowledge of who they are. I think showing the differences between Shylock and Portia is very important for the progression of the play. As well as for all of the characters. Antonio seems to be experiencing a serious state of depression/melancholy, and because of this it seems to come out acts of cruelty. i.e his disdain for Jews simply because they are Jewish. And in the end he demands that Shylock convert to Christianity. Delving a bit deeper into the relationships between all of the characters, and what each character wants from the other is also a point I'd like to display if I were to direct.

I'm not sure if I touched on all that I was supposed to. I gathered some main points and objectives and just tried to go with them as best I could. I hope they made sense, sometimes I don't feel like I'm very good at articulating, or even going deeper into what I am trying to say. Hopefully I got my idea across painlessly.