The Merchant Of Venice
Shakespeare wrote about love, hate, envy, passion, justice – themes that are still relevant today. Throw in a romantic setting like Venice, a story that is entertaining, dark and funny and you have Shakespeare’s controversial The Merchant of Venice. Sport for Jove Theatre Company brings to the stage their production, directed by the legendary British theatre-maker Richard Cottrell.
It’s been years since a production of The Merchant of Venice has been staged in Sydney, and actor James Lugton, who plays title character (The Merchant) Antonio considers that, “what makes this production special is the fact that we have a great director and a fabulous cast and a lot of us have all worked together before – we’ve got a great sense of ensemble”.
Lugton is looking forward to playing Antonio, who is generally seen as a caring, generous character but who is also flawed. “Shakespeare – the writing, being able to dig down into the verse and how he uses language within the verse – is intriguing. Shakespeare really did write for actors, and actors who had to work very quickly,” Lugton explains.
At the end of the play you’re questioning who is really the good guy and who is the villain. This production of The Merchant of Venice promises to be thought-provoking and relevant. (LS)
May 7-16th, Riverside Theatre, Cnr Church & Market Streets, Parramatta, $19-35, riversideparramatta.com.au
May 22-30th, Seymour Centre, Cnr of City Rd & Cleveland St, Chippendale, $25-42, seymourcentre.com
