Due to Shylock’s fate – far more horrifying in the present day than it was in Shakespeare’s time – it is easy to forget that this play is technically a comedy. High spirits are not usually associated with modern productions, especially after the leaden Dustin Hoffman film adaptation. Jonathan Munby’s directorial vision, however, is both hilarious and discomfiting by turns. Before the play begins the actors swarm the stage in a wild Venetian mask, the revelry interrupted at its end to abuse two Jews. This unscripted opening sets the tone for the entire show, one that is bold and unapologetic in merriment and grief, accompanied throughout by atmospheric live music.
The entire cast delivers strong, memorable performances, making their characters sympathetic without erasing their ugly qualities; no one in the play is a saint, but no one can be called the villain either. In an extraordinarily successful instance of art imitating life, the headliner Jonathan Pryce (Game of Thrones) and his daughter Phoebe stand out among the strong cast as Shylock and his daughter Jessica. The elder Pryce commands the stage at every turn, hardened and vengeful only through the wrongs heaped on him. The younger Pryce brings a delicacy to the often under-appreciated daughter, lending her both an impetuousness and acute awareness of her choices. This is also one of the only productions which sold Lorenzo and Jessica’s relationship as a genuine love story, perhaps the most well-matched of the play’s three. Lastly, this performance’s harrowing final image – notably without the Globe’s trademark dancing – will not be easily forgotten.
The Merchant of Venice continues at Shakespeare’s Globe until 7th June
CAST
Stefan Adegbola Lancelot Gobbo
Michael Bertenshaw Duke of Venice/Tubal
Philip Cox Balthasar
Scott Karim Prince of Morocco
Ben Lamb Lorenzo
Daniel Lapaine Bassanio
Christopher Logan Prince of Arragon
Dominic Mafham Antonio
Brian Martin Salarino
Dorothea Myer-Bennett Nerissa
Regé-Jean Page Solanio
Rachel Pickup Portia
Jonathan Pryce Shylock
Phoebe Pryce Jessica
David Sturzaker Gratiano
Directed by
Jonathan Munby
Designed by
Mike Britton
Composed by
Jules Maxwell
Choreographed by
Lucy Hind
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