Bassanio "an Italian Lord, Suitor ... to Portia" Bassanio is Antonio's friend, a bold adventurer who borrows money in order to woo his love, Portia. Alexander Hanson studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. A veteran of stage, screen, and radio, Hanson is fluent in Norwegian, sings baritone and tenor, and is skilled at boxing, cricket, and squash.