Tonight I saw the final play of my DC adventure, and my final play in this year’s Shakespeare Theatre Company season, [The Most Excellent History of] The Merchant of Venice. Upon seeing this, I was reminded of why it is one of my favorites. I’m sad it’s the end, but happy that it ended on a very high note. Although it was resent in a more modern setting (New York of the 1920s), they didn’t soften the antisemitism that sometimes compromises the drama for me. The acting was great, and it was powerfully delivered. There was even a little surprise in that Andy Murray, who’s been a CalShakes regular for years, was part of the cast.
This Shakespearean classic was so different than the very modern play I saw last night. I’m glad my theatrical cannon of my change of station ended with this rich play. I always find this a challenging play to watch because in many ways Shylock gets screwed, but there’s a lot of context which makes it a much richer story. For example, the back stories of the new husbands, who though they seem to win the big battle end up betraying their first token vow to their wives shows that these guys aren’t all so great either.
The staging was primarily one fixed set with a big angled staircase in the center, and all had the appearance of rich wood. The acting of the two leads was particularly affecting. I’m definitely going to miss having access to such great theater so close to home … but life goes on.