The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare. The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey 2017. Directed by Robert Cuccioli. Pictured left to right: Brent Harris as Antonio, John Keabler as Bassanio, and Andrew Weems as Shylock. Photo credit: Jerry Dalia.
The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey opens their 55th season with The Merchant of Venice. This play has not been done by this company since 2000. It looks at a time period when women were directed as to who they would marry. It also shows how Shakespeare’s Christian England regarded those whose religion and beliefs were different from theirs. The play is a good selection for the time we live in right now as we strive to examine the way we look at people who are different from ourselves. Religious and racial prejudice prevail in this play opening our thoughts to what happens in our own modern day society.
The Merchant of Venice is traditionally thought of as one of Shakespeare’s darker comedies and one of his most controversial tales. Noted Broadway actor and Shakespeare Theatre Company member Robert Cuccioli provides outstanding direction for this production as it takes a fresh look at the time-honored classic. His direction of a strong cast makes this show one that should be seen especially in this day and age.
This production is set in Venice in the early 1900’s. In the Director’s Notes, Mr. Cuccioli states that he choose that time period because, “Venice at that time was considered the epitome of opulence and wealth. Art and architecture were flourishing, and the wealthier occupants of Venice had the means and the leisure to indulge their desires, both tangible and intangible.”
The Merchant of Venice’s artistic staff includes visual landscape conceived by scenic designer Brian Ruggaber and lighting designer Michael Giannitti. The production stage manager is Alison Cote. Costume designer Candida Nichols brings the play into the early 1900’s by dressing the actors in clothing depicting that era.
Pictured foreground: John Keabler as Bassanio. Pictured in background from left to right: Rachel Towne as Nerissa, Melissa Miller as Portia, Joe Penczak as Tubal, Ian Gould as Gratiano. Photo credit: Jerry Dalia.
The story centers around several characters. Although they each start out separately, they end up being connected because of a business loan which must get settled. Portia (Melissa Miller) is waiting to find out who her husband will be. An elaborate selection series has been established by her father. Bassanio (John Keabler) achieves the victory and the hand of Portia in marriage. However, he needs to secure money so he goes to Antonio (Brent Harris) for a loan. Problems arise with the source of funding and they decide to turn to Shylock (Andrew Weems), the Jewish man who can lend them the money they need. In some way, Shylock is like a modern day loan shark in that his price is high and even higher for nonpayment.
Yes, the context of the action is important, but what makes this a great play is the way society’s views and ethics are examined and the parallels to current day. One of the most powerful moments occurs when Shylock delivers his famous “I am a Jew” speech. Mr. Weems brings a very angry tone to this moment as he asks how different is a Jew from other people: “If you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do not laugh? If you poison us do we not die? And if you wrong us shall we not revenge? If we are like you in the rest, we will resemble you in that.” There is no doubt that those among us who are of different religions and races could echo such sentiments. How often is this occurring in today’s society? Such is the relevance that Shakespeare’s plays have.
Pictured left to right in foreground: Andrew Weems as Shylock and Robert S. Gregory as Duke of Venice. Photo credit: Jerry Dalia
The desire for wealth, anti-Semitism, prejudice, racial and gender bias, all of these take place in this story as well as in many people’s lives today. How we decide to view them are influenced by our own places in this life. Being open to examining them allows us to express our thoughts and perhaps overcome what we can.
About the Show
Run Time: Approximately two hours – one intermission
Location: F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre located at 36 Madison Avenue, Madison, NJ on the Drew University campua.
Performances: Now through June 4, 2017 – Tuesdays – Sundays
Contact for Info and Tickets: For tickets, patrons can call the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org
Additional Information: Prices range from $29 – $69. The 30 UNDER 30 program is available for the 2017 season. Patrons aged 30 and under can purchase tickets for only $30 with valid ID, subject to availability.