Through a series of interviews in various locations in Venice and London, presenter Alan Yentob took novelist Howard Jacobson on a journey through Shylock as represented in past and present, as an introduction to Jacobson's novel SHYLOCK IS MY NAME.
With contributions from a variety of experts including academics Stephen Greenblatt and James Shapiro, director Kari Koonrod and actor Antony Sher, we learned how Shylock has been demonized on the stage in Shakespearean productions, to such an extent that he has become a vehicle for antisemitic sentiment (during the Nazi era, for example). Even so-called liberals such as Sher and Koonrod have found few if any redeeming features in the character, despite his undoubted presence on the stage.
Jacobson begs to differ. Although well aware of the character's shortcomings, he believes that the Christian characters are even more unattractive: most of the men are feckless layabouts, while Shylock's daughter Jessica is a gold-digger sacrificing paternal love for self-interest. We witness Jacobson in some fairly heated arguments with Shylock's detractors, notably lawyer Anthony Julius, who resents Jacobson's idea that Shylock cannot make up his mind, especially when faced with the chance to cut a pound of flesh from Antonio's body.
With this idea in mind, Jacobson's version of the tale allows for Shylock to take revenge on his tormentors. No longer forced to convert to Christianity, he manages to secure his rights as well as reinforcing his sense of identity. Viewers might not agree with this interpretation, but Jacobson's work makes for an entertaining read.
Liberally illustrated with extracts from Shakespeare's play as well as readings from Jacobson's novel, this was a fine introduction to the major issues surrounding THE MERCHANT.