THE MERCHANT OF VENICE. To 29 May.
Tour
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE
by William Shakespeare
Northern Broadsides Tour to 29 May 2004
Runs 2hr 40min One interval
Review: Timothy Ramsden 13 March at Glasgow Citizens' Theatre
A clear, plain account with some fine detail.Intriguing to see this touring company in a venue where they might be thought of as Southern Broadsides. But their style's about more than bringing northern English voices to Shakespeare. They also stand for acting rooted in the words rather than characters' psycho-processes. This Merchant shows that while some subtlety can be lost, there are no-nonsense gains in clarity and vigour.
The bare platform stage may seem unusual in the Citizens' context but it allows a contrast between men of Venice and women of Belmont to become apparent as they replace each other in the early succession of scenes. And the difference between the worlds of money and human values - colliding in the trial scene - become scenes about different sorts of trading. The money-managing in Venice enables improvident Bassanio to follow his heart to Belmont.
Where Portia is bound into an inheritance deal that treats her as merchandise to be gained by anyone wily enough to perceive the true meaning of metals while it ends up revealing true' values, the casket trial is a dubious test of intention. The point's made when Bassanio's finally gone for lead. The dominating portrait of Portia's father (in a neat touch, a picture of Broadsides actor Frank Moorey, who died last autumn) and the casket-bearing tables are notably removed, emblems of a past that can thankfully be forgotten.
What does the future hold for the happy pair? Roses, roses all the way let's hope, for whenever Clare Calbraith's Portia leaves her loving tones it's for a fearful loudness. No wonder the friends who support Antonio all the way to Shylock's knife back off rapidly when she turns on her husband for giving away his ring. It's a strange quality, aggressive more than assertive, to bring to such a subtle heroine.
Otherwise, the sober (modern) suited world comes over efficiently, the comedy no funnier than it ever is. And Barrie Rutter's Shylock carries a dignity along with the ruthless determination that survives as he crumples in the courtroom. His defeat is moving, in an all-round clear account, enhanced by Broadsides' usual fine music.
Antonio: Andrew Vincent
Salerio: Andrew Cryer
Solanio: Jonathan le Billon
Bassanio: Paul Barnhill
Lorenzo: Adam Sunderland
Gratiano: Richard Standing
Portia: Clare Calbraith
Nerissa: Sara Poyzer
Shylock: Barrie Rutter
Prince of Morocco/Tubal: Dennis Conlon
Launcelot Gobbo: Andrew Whitehead
Old Gobbo/Duke: Leo Atkin
Jessica: Jo Theaker
Prince of Arrragon: Roger Burnett
Portia's Father: The late Frank Moorey
Director: Barrie Rutter
Designers: Emma Barrington-Binns/Giuseppe Belli
Composer: Conrad Nelson
2004-03-25 23:33:52