REVIEW | The Merchant of Venice 1936, The Royal Shakespeare Company
Tracy Ann Oberman in The Merchant of Venice 1936. Photo Marc Brenner★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Reviewer - Hollie
*Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review
Caution: This show contains Strong language
With a sell-out run already ahead in the coming months, Director Brigid Larmour and Tracy Ann-Oberman’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic comedy has a promising future heading into 2024.
This latest adaptation provides a fresh and eye-opening perspective as it is set in 1936 in pre-war Britain. With the rise of Hitler and World War Two on the horizon, this modern retelling combines a careful and considerate blend of laugh out loud comedy and thought-provoking messages around contemporary issues including antisemitism, war and power.
The audience is involved in the performance from the start as Russian Shylock, and her family and companions toast one another at the dining table. Shylock, played by Tracy-Ann Oberman, shines as the Jewish money lender.
Her authentic betrayal and fabulous accent allowed the audience of couples and families to buy into her character and her emotions from the outset.
Far away from Venice, Antonio, The Merchant of Venice, is a sad and depressed antisemitic character as his money is invested in his ships which are still out to sea. Antonio, played by Raymond Coulthard, lends some money to his friend Bassiano, played by Gavin Fowler, so that he can woo the affections of Portia. As Antonio’s money is tied up, he asks Shylock for a loan. The former enemies exchange harsh words throughout and the two agree that if the loan is late in being paid, Shylock is entitled to a pound of Antonio’s flesh.
The different characters and stories within the plot, including Portia and her search for a suitable suitor provide many hilarious moments for the audience. Portia, played by Hannah Morrish, waits nervously as several suitors try to win her hand. Hannah really came into her own in the second half as she was given the chance to shine as Portia falls in love with the man she is going to marry.
The scenery and backdrop changes throughout the production and the introduction of propaganda as time progresses, reminds the audience of the period in history that wasn’t so long ago. The themes of war and fear from the not too distant past are also present today in 2023 and the audience are reminded of this throughout the show. The clever use of light and dark constantly changes to adapt to the tone on stage and the development of the time in 1936.
This reimagining tackles some serious issues which are all the more prominent in today’s society, but these themes were cleverly conveyed. It felt quite unsettling as an audience member to enjoy a show that brings such joy but such sorrow at the same time. The production was extremely well rehearsed and seamless throughout and offered some moments for reflection at the very end, after an intense second half.
The Merchant of Venice 1936 begins its U.K. tour at The Swan Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon, stopping at The New Theatre in Cardiff, The Theatre Royal in York and HOME in Manchester throughout the Autumn before returning to The Swan Theatre at the RSC in January 2024.
