The Merchant of Venice












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            * The Merchant of Venice
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            On the 19th March, I went to view the Charles University Workshop production of Shakespear

            of Venice; an evening which turned out to be an enjoyable and interesting endeavour. In lo
            visually, it was a stripped back adaptation of Shakespeare, which in some places I found r
            and flat. However, as a positive, the simplistic and minimalistic setting enabled the audi

            more on the actors. Having performed Shakespeare myself in the past, I know how difficult 
            considering English was not the first language of the cast, I was impressed with eloquence
            they infiltrated when performing their dialogue, maintaining the conventions of Shakespear

            pentameter throughout.
            An aspect I particularly enjoyed was the interaction between Portia (Kristýna Flanderová) 

            (Teata Binar). Their animated demeanours produced a thoroughly enjoyable dynamic to watch;
            filled the stage and thus made it a personal highlight. Flanderová in particular adopted a
            nuanced Portia, demonstrating the vivacious confidence and assertiveness to the character 

            a stand out amongst Shakespeare’s various female characters. Matěj Vašíček was also enjoya
            successfully channelling a vibrant energy to Shylock which gave him an undeniable stage pr
            I would have admittedly preferred to have had him portrayed as less of an antagonist and g

            characteristics; with his vengeful acts arising from the mistreatment and victimisation he
            I found some outcomes in terms of character representation questionable. For instance, Shy
            too rushed, which was disappointing for me as it is one of my favourite speeches of the pl

            found that stuck with me most, however, was the portrayal of the Moroccan Prince. I felt t
            to use blackface was demeaning to someone of that race, and having him act in an inane con
            into something to be laughed at by the audience, something I was admittedly uncomfortable 

            felt it incited racial stereotypes and insensitivity. 
            The second half of the play gained more momentum than the first half. The static nature af
            disappeared. There were various scenes showcasing a flowing rhythm that was visually enjoy

            For instance, the ring segment was particularly entertaining, Flanderová and Binar impress
            with their teasing and mischievous natures that aimed to torment Bassanio and Gratiano’s l
            in trading their rings away. Tomáš Suchánek was particularly excellent in this scene as Ba

            his luminous look of discomfort and guilt apparent during Portia’s ironic proclamation of 
            ‘loyalty’. In addition, an aesthetic aspect fuelled into the second half was the utilizati
            fashioned from Magdalena Hniličková and Alena Hladká’s characters. This was something I gr

            and admired; they may have been minor, unnamed roles, but this element brought a pleasant 
            stage, creating an enchanting musicality that was almost hypnotic.     
            Overall, some of the decisions and execution in certain places prevented it from being as 

            potentially could have been. That said; the majority of the cast gave a fine effort, very 
            the Shakespeare spirit throughout.

                                                                                                      
            Jennifer Nee is a student of Drama and English and American Literature at the University o
            reader and writer, prompting her interest in journalism and the publishing sector. Therefo
            great opportunity to involve herself in the Czech culture; such as exploring their traditi
                                                                                                      
            be a chance to interact with other aspiring writers and journalists.