A look at the adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Merchant of Venice'

Sat, Aug 25th 2012, 11:58 AM

In its fourth year, Shakespeare in Paradise presents its version of another classic by William Shakespeare. As in previous years, with "The Tempest" being set on a local cay and "A Midsummer Night's Dream" set in Cat Island 1910, this year's adaptation of "Merchant of Venice" promises not to be your grandfather's Shakespeare.
"Merchant" director Gordon Mills recalled, "There was a synchronous moment earlier this year when I mentioned to [SiP Artistic Director] Philip Burrows that I thought 'Merchant of Venice' would be a great vehicle for the feature Shakespeare production this year. Philip replied that he had been thinking along the same lines."
"After we talked about the possibilities of Bahamianizing Shakespeare's script setting the play in Nassau, changing Shylock from a Jew to a Haitian Philip asked me to go ahead and adapt it and then asked me if I would like to direct it too. At that moment, 'Merchant' was set in motion."
As Mills points out, the two main plot lines remain the same, but the adaptation brings the story into a 21st century Bahamian setting.
"Merchant" follows Bassanio, a young man from Nassau, who has no money, but wishes to go to Acklins to win the heart of the fair Portia. He asks his friend Antonio to lend him some money, but Antonio's cash is tied up in his shipping business. However, he agrees to be the guarantor if Bassanio can arrange a deal with one of the loan sharks on Bay Street.
Bassanio strikes a deal with Shylock, a Haitian moneylender, made wealthy by his Cash for Gold establishments and numbers houses. Shylock, who is no friend of Antonio's, wants only revenge for Antonio's mistreatment and prejudice against him, asking for a pound of his flesh if he cannot pay.
Inspired by the Bahamian adaptation of "Othello", brought to audiences this year in Nassau and London by Yellowtale Theatre Company, Mills managed to pare down the scenes and characters in order to bring a cast of 20 or more down to 12.
This year, "Merchant" will be the main production offered to junior and senior high school students as part of the festival's student outreach program.
"I have long believed," said Mills, "that careful reworking and adapting of Shakespeare's texts is absolutely vital to bringing more young people to a greater appreciation of the richness not only of the poetry and the words, but also of the stories and the twists and turns of plot that Shakespeare so expertly weaves."
According to Burrows, "The most rewarding aspect of the festival for me has been the introduction of theatre to thousands of students over the past three years. And this year with the production of 'Merchant' we actually get to let the students see a work that they are presently studying on the syllabus."
As the festival draws near, Shakespeare in Paradise is also elated to confirm its Caribbean offerings.
Out of Jamaica and in celebration of Jamaica's 50th anniversary of independence, the University Players presents "Not About Eve". Written by Karl O. Williams and directed by Brian Heap, this award-winning play explores the role of women in society, especially with regards to gender identity, feminism and sexuality.
In celebration of Trinidad and Tobago's 50th anniversary of independence, Shakespeare in Paradise presents "Lion City Live", featuring Freetown. This duo seeks to awaken a social consciousness, especially within the Caribbean, through poetry and music. Freetown is currently developing its first album, which will be featured in a Blue Cinamon Group film, called "God Loves the Fighter" to be released this year.
The fourth annual Shakespeare in Paradise Theatre Festival will take place October 5-13, 2012.

Click here to read more at The Nassau Guardian

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