Written by William
Shakespeare
Directed by Anne-Louise
Sarks
Bell Shakespeare
The Playhouse,
Canberra Theatre Centre to 21 October
Reviewed by Len Power
13 October 2017
Probably written between 1596 and 1599, ‘The Merchant Of
Venice’ tells the story of a merchant, Antonio, who defaults on a loan from a much
abused Jewish money-lender, Shylock, who then demands that the default agreement
be exacted literally – a pound of the merchant’s flesh. How legal argument is used to win the day
against Shylock is exciting theatre but the extreme penalty he then suffers is now
extremely troubling.
Anne-Louise Sarks has directed a visually pleasing
production in a modern autumn setting designed by Michael Hankin, who also
designed the costumes. The lighting
design of Paul Jackson and sound by Max Lyandvert add considerable atmosphere
to the production.
 |
| Mitchell Butel as Shylock and the Company of 'The Merchant Of Venice' |
Commencing the play with most of the company reciting a
Christian prayer with Shylock and his daughter obviously absent but observing was
an inspired idea, setting the scene for what was to come.
Performances by the cast are excellent. Jessica Tovey gives a performance of
considerable depth as Portia, believable as a modern young woman with the usual
hopes and dreams who is also a formidable legal battler in court. The emotional edge she brings to her ‘Quality
of Mercy’ speech is a highlight of the show.
 |
| Jessica Tovey as Portia |
Mitchell Butel plays Shylock with a quiet intensity devoid
of cliché. The pain he has suffered from
discrimination is clearly shown but his determination to exact his revenge in
the courtroom is all the more shocking when we see the emotions he has kept in
check for so long. It’s a great
performance.
 |
| Mitchell Butel as Shylock, Felicity McKay as Jessica |
Jo Turner gives a strongly courageous performance as the
racist Antonio, never pulling back from the negative aspects of his character.
 |
| Jo Turner as Antonio |
Jacob Warner commands the stage in his role as the clerk,
Launcelot. He gives us an amusing
all-knowing character and his comic timing is excellent. There is also fine work by Damien Strouthos,
Shiv Pelkar, Anthony Taufa and Eugene Gilfedder.
 |
| Jacob Warner as Launcelot |
Catherine Davies is a delightful and refreshing Nerissa and
Felicity McKay gives a very human and ultimately tragic performance as Shylock’s
daughter, Jessica.
 |
| Catherine Davies as Nerissa |
Although Shakespeare’s play is classified as one of his
comedies, it’s the dramatic aspects of the plot that are most remembered. In Bell Shakespeare’s new production, the
comedy is certainly there and played delightfully but the play’s darker aspects
now have an even stronger resonance in today’s world.
Photos by Prudence Upton
Len Power’s reviews
are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7’s new ‘On Stage’ program on Mondays from
3.30pm and on ‘Artcetera’ from 9.00am on Saturdays.
