The Merchant of Venice

Synopsis

Written around 1596 and the first Shakespeare to be preformed professionally in America (New York, 1752). A man needs money to pursue a rich heiress (Portia) and approaches his friend Antonio - but unable to lend it Antonio approaches the Jewish moneylender Shylock. Shylock hates Antonio because of his Christian contempt for usury so offers a contract wherebty if the money is not repaid he may take a pound of flesh instead. The quality of mercy is not strained as Shylock is foiled out of his pound of flesh by Portia dressed as a man. A dark comedy exploring greed and racism.

Our Review:

11 June 2009

Bringing a modern twist to any Shakespeare production whilst retaining the text is never an easy job, but it's one that Edward Hall and his Propeller Theatre Company throw themselves into with gusto.

Set within the close confines of a prison called Venice, the inter-relationships of the characters are emphasised. But somehow it did, for me, detract from some of the text of the play, at times.

The two main protagonists, Antonio (Bob Barrett) and Shylock (Richard Clothier), are well played. Antonio suffers by being rather underwritten in many ways but Barrett brings out the depth in the role excellently. Clothier, a long-standing Propeller member, uses both his physical presence and vocal talents to bring the Jewish moneylender to life.

The majority of the other characters are equally as strong. Jack Tarlton’s Bassanio shows great emotional variation. Portia (Jon Trenchard) is a strange androgynous figure. He takes to the role very capably ...

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