The Merchant of Venice

            The Merchant of Venice, a comedy and in its own right a tragedy. A production of close authenticity was debuted at the Globe Theatre. Costumes and scenic aspects were period appropriate. Though the casting wasn't traditional, because it wasn't an all male cast, but the style was very immersive compared to current styles and direction. What made this production great was how they interpreted the content. The piece today can be seen as anti-Semitic, if taken at face value. Shylock, the stereotype of the money grubbing Jew who only seeks vengeance, was revisited. The interpretation of Shylock was made human. As artists in a world of globalism they took into account history of the Jewish Diasporas, and the application of "realistic" concepts. Jonathan Pryce took great pains to address the internal monologue of Shylock. He was given layers, not an archetype but an identity. From institutions like the Goldstein-Goren Diaspora Research Centre and the University of Tel Aviv, we have come to understand that throughout Europe, Jews though utilized for the purpose of commerce, the European monarchs and Papal rule found them unwanted. You can see that type of oppression from the Christian by physical advances: spitting and assault. Even it was evident from how the court concluded that Shylock wasn’t a Venetian because of his Jewish Heritage…an infidel and a foreigner. Shylock also became a father for Jessica. This conflict of the money wasn’t entirely about greed but “selfish” preservation. His first super-objective was to provide for his daughter’s well being. You can see that with his reaction to carnival. He was so stern and specific about the house and Jessica because he was so conscious the danger that could occur. It wasn’t until Jessica eloped that we see Shylock switch to pursue the forfeiture out of spite. This was an importance performance because it shows how relative morality can be, especially when it comes to culture.