Merchant 'magic' under the stars
2008-01-14 14:26
Joe Meyer
Cape Town - With an exciting and vibrant production of The Merchant of Venice at Maynardville Open-air theatre, it is clear that theatre is alive and well in Cape Town, and that theatregoers have the perfect opportunity to initiate the New Year with a truly unforgettable evening of Shakespearean magic.
As one of South Africa's most experienced exponents of Shakespeare, director and theatrical visionary Roy Sargeant's meticulously detailed direction offers his powerhouse ensemble not only a magnificently loaded platform to showcase their diverse talents, but also allows the cast to bring some of Shakespeare's most memorable characters to glorious life.
To cut or not to cut has always been an important question in shaping Shakespeare to fit its medium, and satisfy it's audience.
As with Michael Radford's film adaptation of The Merchant Of Venice, Sargeant's ingenious trimming and re-structuring results in the intriguing narrative moving at a refreshing racy pace, offering its audience a delightfully comprehensible and astute rendering.
Nazi invasion
Transposed from its late sixteenth century setting to just prior to the Nazi invasion in Italy in 1943, Sargeant's ingenious vision amplifies themes of racial indifference, battle of the sexes, cross-cultural love, religious fanaticism and issues of identity.
One would automatically assume that this richly interwoven tapestry of human emotions and inhuman contradictions would make for an evening of weighty entertainment.
Have no fear; the tragic events and human pathos are perfectly balanced and equalled by some delightful comic frivolity, outstanding sub textual innuendos and afflictions, and charmingly playful games of seduction.
It is a production that embraces diverse tastes and offers first rate entertainment for anyone seeking escapism.
The Merchant of Venice aptly reflects our contemporary world where the same, familiar issues have become part of our society in South Africa, where diverse cultures strive for unity and peace.
Memorable performances by ensemble
One of the major strengths of the production is its casting and the memorable performances delivered by the ensemble.
The ensemble unites as a well-oiled machine from start to finish, allowing the narrative and its intricate subplots to rise to the surface and radiate the true spirit and fierce Shakespearean life-force.
The Merchant of Venice is best known for the roles of Shylock, a rich, Jewish moneylender.
Jeremy Crutchley's Shylock is truly a performance to behold; Crutchley's passionate and heartfelt portrayal introspectively slices to the heart of a man who is an outsider and needs to make his voice heard.
Opposing Crutchley's hushed intensity and dark nature is Graham Weir's gentle performance as Antonio, a faithful, generous merchant of Christian religion.
Jostle for passion
The Merchant of Venice celebrates love, and at the heart of the romance are three enchanting couples who jostle for passion: Clayton Boyd's charming Bassanio and Tessa Jubber's heady Portia; Scott Sparrow's wicked Graziano and Juliet Jenkin's feisty Nerrissa; and Francesco Nassimbemi's naive Lorenzo and Jacqui du Toit's impassioned Jessica.
There is also some marvellous support from Stephen Jubber who shines as the spirited Salerio, John Caviggia delights the audience with his roles as The Prince of Arragon and one of Shylock's rich Jewish friends; and Darron Araujo astounds with his Gollumnesque interpretation of the clown Lancelot Gobbo.
Add to this the sumptuous setting of Maynardville's Open-Air Theatre, clear sound design by Lynley Pillay and you are set for an evening of first rate entertainment.
The Merchant of Venice is on at Maynardville Open-Air Theatre until February 16.
Book at Computicket or Artscape Dial-a-Seat 021 421 7695.
- News24