'The Merchant of Venice' is not among my favourites of William Shakespeare's plays, but in no way is that a knock. It is one of his most controversial plays, being dubbed by many as anti-semitic and sparks much debate today, not just for that but also analysing the character of Shylock (as to whether he is a villain or a sympathetic character) and there is debate frequently of whether the play is a comedy or tragedy. It is also one of his most interesting, as an overall play and when analysing the text and characters, especially for Shylock's Act 3 Scene 1 speech and Shylock himself.
Of the many available Shakespeare Globe productions available on DVD between 2018 and 2020, the 2016 production of 'The Merchant of Venice' is one of the best of a worthy competition. It is also one of the best productions of the play seen, putting its own fresh spin on it and Shylock while not straying away too far when it comes to fidelity as well as managing to solve some of the play's problems. Something that no other production of 'The Merchant of Venice' this viewer has seen has done.
Everything works here, but the main draw is the absolutely magnificent performance of Jonathan Pryce. Have always liked him a lot as an actor and he doesn't disappoint in a very layered and complex performance where Shylock is both a tyrant and a victim, have rarely seen that mix done and have never seen it done so convincingly. Evident in his bullying interaction with Jessica in the case of the former and how he is treated and his reactions to it by a more menacing, violent Antonio than usual with the latter.
Rest of the acting is truly excellent too, especially Rachel Pickup's affecting Portia, equally affecting Phoebe Pryce and a forthright Antonio from Dominic Mafham. It was refreshing to have a funny Launcelot Gobbo, when he is too often overplayed and irritating and the excision of his father was a good move (he was not missed and his presence would have distracted probably within this more sombre take on the play).
This is also one of not many versions of 'The Merchant of Venice' to nail both the comedic and tragic elements. The comedy is genuinely funny, and it was very interesting to see a more sombre approach to the play and it comes off very movingly. The ending did move me a lot. The production values are sumptuous and tasteful in a production that never veers into distaste. Shakespeare's language shines and the intimate photography doesn't feel claustrophobic, the interactive audience authentic feeling.
Overall, wonderful production with one of my favourite interpretations of Shylock. 10/10.
