Jeffrey S. Robbins, a Member of the Litigation Section of Mintz, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky and Popeo, P.C., will moderate panel discussions immediately following two performances of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice presented by Elements Theatre Company. The first panel will take place following the January 29 performance at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center with the second discussion taking place after the February 9 performance at Classic Stage Company in New York City.

Mr. Robbins, a former United States delegate to the United Nations Human Rights Commission,  will moderate a panel entitled, “A Pound of Flesh: Exploring Qualities of Mercy when Encountering the Other.” In this session, noted religious leaders, artists and scholars will examine the background and motivation of Shylock in The Merchant of Venice and consider the impact of his persecution on his own choices and on society at large. They will also consider this framework when discussing the greater implications of bigotry and persecution as they relate to terrorism, racial injustice, religious discrimination, and assimilation.

Elements Theatre Company is a resident ensemble of sixteen artists dedicated to exploring the vitality of the written word and the deepest truths within the text. Through dramatic storytelling and imaginative stagecraft, Elements approaches both classic and modern works with honesty and authenticity. Founded in 1992, Elements Theatre Company is part of Gloriæ Dei Artes Foundation, a non-profit arts organization based in Orleans, Mass.

Mr. Robbins specializes in complex civil litigation, including litigation involving allegations of fraud, First Amendment issues, and claims of defamation.  In addition to his work with the U.N., Mr. Robbins previously served as the Chairman of the New England Board of the Anti-Defamation League.