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than a pound of flesh The plot concerns Bassanio who with the help of Antonio visits a wealthy Jewish loan shark called Shylock and asks if they may borrow some money so Bassanio can visit his lady love Portia. Shylock agrees but demands a pound of flesh from Antonio if he cannot meet his strict payment demands. Although classified under comedy, the play in which the tragedy is just averted is set in 16th century Venice, during which discrimination between the Jews and the Christians was apparant. “We felt it was relevant to the world and the country where there is so much pain and sorrow, perpetuated in the name of religion, race and caste,” explain directors, Sudha Nair and Petulia Joseph on the selection of the play. Krishan Rajanathan plays the very vicious yet passionate Shylock. “It is a role that brings out one’s talent,” he says of his character that is a symbol of discrimination. He has worked very hard to capture the torture of emotions during the scene where he talks about his sufferings as a Jew and the prejudice he has faced. For Portia, played by Sabrina Esufally it has been a wealth of an experience, playing the part of a woman and man disguised as a lawyer that she has found extremely entertaining. She makes a moving speech in court, the ‘Quality of Mercy’ soliloquy. “It is charged with emotion – of the man I am supposed to be, and the woman’s passion that I am unable to hide as I plead with Shylock not to claim a pound of Antonio’s flesh,” she says. Shehan Somaratna is set to play the carefree Bassanio, an ardent lover who wins the lady amongst others who try to win her hand. Although interesting, Shehan finds playing the romantic role a tad difficult. “I have to go to the extent of really falling in love with the person,” he laughs. “I am a Christ-like character, willing to give my all to a friend, even a pound of flesh,” explains Arosh Fernando who plays Antonio. His arrogance apparently comes out in several scenes as does the ancient grudge between the Jews and Christians. Most challenging for him has been the part where he goes charging in anger at Shylock. Jessica (Romany Arrowsmith), is running away with a Christian guy, away from Shylock, her father and all that she is brought up with, not knowing that her lover is after her money. Of her love scenes with Lorenzo, “I’m really not good at it,” Romany laughs. Launcelot the Clown played by Amanda Dissanayake switches loyalties during the course of the play, exposing his evil streak as he makes fun of Shylock and the Jews. Speaking of the debate within herself between the good conscious and the bad as she acts as the mediator between Jessica and Lorenzo, she says that she enjoys her role. “It is the funniest part in the whole play.” The Masker’s Dance (Revel) that takes place in the street in front of Shylock’s house is a lively item with less of dance and more of stylised movement done to classical music. Its choreographer Anushka Wikramanayaka of year 13 who is proficient in ballet, modern, tap, contemporary and kandyan dancing has used modern Arabian music with a strong rhythm of drums and cymbals for the Harem dance that comes with the Prince of Morocco. Although Shakes-pearean language has been used throughout the play, it has been edited with the addition of a prologue and an epilogue, scenes that combine the Jews and Christians. “Through the dance drama we have tried to bring in the prejudice as strongly as we can,” explains Ms. Nair. Further, with the introduction of a chorus they have been able to create more roles for students, amounting to a 40 strong cast, adds Ms. Joseph. The love song “Everything I do, I do it for you,” will be sung by Bassanio, while the Music Director Prashalini Pieris is working on a couple of others. The play, a must see for every Shakespeare enthusiast will present brilliant period costumes. The ocean with the Rialto in the background aptly captures the atmosphere of 16th Century Venice for the scenes where Shylock is ridiculed in front of everyone. Through this play that has entertained audiences, time and again, centuries after his death, Shakespeare has another strong message – that people should not be taken in by appearances explains Ms. Nair. The idea comes through with the gold, silver and lead caskets that suitors of Portia have to pick from. “Through the play we also hope to dismiss the idea among students of Shakespeare being dull and boring,” she adds. The audience can expect some powerful scenes from Shylock, Bassanio and Antonio that starkly depict discrimination that can ruin a person’s mind, forcing him into doing hurtful things. Whether Shylock will be able to evoke sympathy during his soliloquy, despite his character, remains to be seen. As for the charged courtroom scene, it is where the characters reach a climax. Tickets priced at Rs. 500, 400, 300 and 200 are available at the school office. |
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