The Merchant of Venice - Shakespeare’s Globe

The Merchant of Venice - Shakespeare’s Globe

Lincoln Center Festival

Rose Theater

July 22, 2016

Phoebe Pryce & Jonathan Pryce
Photo courtesy of Shakespeare's Globe

The Shakespeare’s Globe production of The Merchant of Venice played at the Rose Theater on July 20 – 24 as part of the Lincoln Center Festival.  Directed by Jonathan Munby, this production was thought provoking and emotionally riveting.  The play contains Shakespeare’s classic comic elements (gender disguises, foolish servants, love winning out in the end), yet also contains a downfall for the Shylock character that is probably more heightened and tragic than any ever written.  This particular interpretation brings that contrast sharply into focus through its design, direction, and superb performances.

Jolyon Coy, Dorothea Myer-Bennet, Rachel Pickup,
& Dan Fredenburgh
Photo courtesy of Shaskepeare's Globe

When Shylock (played by Jonathan Pryce) demands the agreed upon pound of flesh from Antonio (played by Dominic Mafham) as payment on a default loan, he is viewed as unjust and unmerciful.  Portia (played by Rachel Pickup) and Nerissa (played by Dorothea Myer-Bennet) disguise themselves and a lawyer and clerk to enter the court and save Antonio from his fate.  Their cunning trick succeeds and wins them both a deeper loyalty from their husbands Bossanio (played by Dan Fredenburgh) and Gratiano (played by Jolyon Coy).  It is a happy ending for all until Shylock is forced to give up half his riches and, more painfully, relinquish his faith and become a Christian.  The cries of his daughter, Jessica (played by Phoebe Pryce) reveals the true horror of her father’s fate.  That response bleeds into an even more devastating moment when we witness Shylock being baptized and led off the stage a destroyed man. 

Dominic Mafham as Antonio
Photo courtesy of Shakespeare's Globe

This is a powerful production that lends itself to intense discourse of the effect that such an ending had on an audience when it was first presented (400 years ago) compared to that of a present day audience.  Every performance of this brilliant cast takes the audience deeper into the social and political intolerance of the time period.  Set in the Elizabethan era, the play allows audience members to view and experience the acceptably harsh treatment of those of a different culture or religion  Viewed from a present day lense, we can see how centuries of hate and ignorance strengthen and build in societies and can readily lend themselves to irreversible atrocities.

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Festival

Unfortunately, this production had a very limited number of performances in the Lincoln Center Festival.  The Drilling Company Shakespeare in the Parking Lot will be presenting The Merchant of Venice from July 28 through August 14.  These performances are FREE.  The Parking Lot is located at 114 Norfolk Street (east side of Norfolk Street between Delancey and Rivington Streets), behind The Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Educational Center.  If you missed the Shakespeare Globe’s outstanding production, be sure to attend The Drilling Company’s.  It will be interesting to compare these two interpretations of this powerful Shakespeare play. I welcome your comments.

Domenick Danza