Introduction
The play Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare, as all the masterpieces of the prominent writer, raised the themes of love, hatred, betrayal, and honor; the performance transfers the reader into the atmosphere of religious oppression and human portrayal of the central character, villainous Shylock. The play remains relevant, and it resonates clearly and loudly adopting the viewers to the elements of Shakespearean usual style reflected in each of his works. The viewers had an opportunity to dive into the depth of the Shakespearean epoch feeling the reflection of the author’s intention to show the central conflict based on love and money.
Performance Overview
The production discloses the dealings between Christian noblemen, Bassanio and Antonio, and Jewish moneylender Shylock. Antonio borrows money to help Bassanio and Portia; while Shylock is completely irritated with racial slurs, and insult Antonio, which leads to the identification of special repayment terms. In the case of Antonio’s default, the flesh pound will be extended by Shylock. It is necessary to stress that the play of the actors clearly shows all the emotions and feelings in their interpersonal attitude; thus, arrogant Venetians used to perceive Shylock’s commitment as a certain jest, but desired revenge is unexpectedly heightened by the elopement of his daughter Jessica and Bassanio’s friend Lorenzo. Gradually the acts move us to the scene when Antonio has no opportunity to repay the loan through falter of his business; nevertheless, Shylock is about to collect all the debts.
Critical Analysis
The performance demonstrates the wonderful tragic elements play by Portia and Bassanio, making the production be presented in the form of a romantic comedy. The play is concentrated on the idea of making oppressed Shylock be the central oppressor, resulting in abuse suffering, and enforcement to become a Christian. The scenes are performed in a way to show the viewers considerable focus on intolerance and religion being closely interacted with the concepts of love and devotion. The character of Shylock evokes compassion through him being cruelly treated underlining his desire for vengeance.
The way the play is performed is considered to be the reflection of the Shakespearean epoch disclosing the most important human values and religious motives promoted in society. It is necessary to underline the fact that the play managed to depict two central moralities being contrasted to each other; the symbolization of rightful revenge stressed through the image of Shylock is contradicted to the concept of unconditional forgiveness by Portia. Theatre’s performance turned the story into ambivalent and ambiguous human frailty.
Personal Opinion
I liked that the actors managed to present the depth of Shakespearean style and theme. It is necessary to underline the idea that the concept of hatred demonstrated by actors’ play can be characterized as a cyclical phenomenon. Throughout the play, one can observe how Shylock absorbs the lessons provided by Christian neighbors; this element is considered to be an integral part of the actor’s play and the way of court argument presentation. One should stress that the first scene with Shylock is based on his attempts to harm and insult Antonio; with the play continuation, the character is filled with reasoning concepts and he starts living under the pressure of abuse experience making certain considerations as to his attitude to others.
‘The villainy you teach me I will execute,
And it shall go hard but I will better the instruction’ (Shakespeare, 60)
Some faults of Shylock’s performance are blamed through poor teachings and inadequate behavior in interpersonal relationships; nevertheless, the motives of Christianity are reflected in the manner the character perceives the world.
What was the most impressive, it is the performance decoration; I would like to analyze is dressing of the actors presented in the play. Every scene of the play creates the environment of Shakespearean time; the period of dukes and merchants is underlined through the usage of particular decorations. Ancient style is underlined through the characters’ dressing. Besides, it is necessary to underline the fact that twice in the performance the execution of daring escapes is illustrated using cross-dressing. It is a kind of device being particular for the drama of Renaissance epoch; Jessica tries to escape Shylock’s house tedium, Nerissa and Portia managed to pose as officers rescuing Antonio, etc. This method is considered to be a bright characteristic of Shakespearean theatre, where women were completely banned from taking part in the stage, and as a result, prepubescent boys performed their parts. The performance shows that the writer used to stick to crossdressing method quite often in his works, especially in various comedies. Nevertheless, it is important to note that in The Merchant of Venice, Portia reflects the fact that men’s clothes donning is not only the method of underlining the comedy genre.
‘I’ll prove the prettier fellow of the two,
and wear my dagger with the braver grace’ (Shakespeare, 77)
The crossdressing method used in the performance is considered to be the device of male authority imitation which can be easily prevented by a woman. The words proclaimed by Portia are aimed at showing that she can outwit any of her male competitors. It is the device of showing, how a woman can assume the position and power of the man through wearing male clothes.
The play appeared to be impressing, involving, and professionally done. The reflection of central Shakespearean themes devoted to love and hatred are considered the most interested and informative. The decorations, clothes, manner of speaking, and behavior of the actors were concentrated on the outline of contrast between the Christians and Shylock; the protagonist’s interest in financial welfare and business running appeared to have a symbolical value drawing a transparent line between past and present. It is necessary to underline the idea that the illustration of Christianity motives is aimed at underlining the treasure and power of love, in its contrast to material values, taking the central place in Shylock’s life. There is the scene where Shylock screams in regrets and sorrow about his daughter; this episode stressed that the character values his child as money and business. The performance disclosed to us the real-time of the ancient epoch with all details concerning human values, behaviors, and interests. (Shakespeare, 1868)
Conclusion
The performance presentation appeared to be the disclosure of the Renaissance epoch of Shakespearean time; the play of the actors can be characterized through high emotionality and complete effective involvement in the role they had to depict. The Merchant of Venice is referred to as a romantic comedy with the elements of drama being typical for the works of Shakespeare. The language used by the performers is considered to be adapted for the play’s easy perception; the production of high quality can be underlined through the professional play of the actors and beautiful decorations reflecting the atmosphere of the ancient period. The play appeared to be relevant through its disclosure of global themes of humanity, even though they were presented ironically. The interaction of love and hatred, devotion and betrayal, faith and religious oppression, are the central concepts highlighted in the performance; the Merchant of Venice was presented as an involving and thought-provoking romantic comedy, which is considere4d to be the real masterpiece and treasure of humanity.
References
Shakespeare, W. The Merchant of Venice. 2nd Edition. Clarendon Press, 1868.