Guy Masterson as Shylock. Photo: Christine O'ConnorFortune TheatreOctober 9Reviewed by Helen Watson WhiteThe Shylock of Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice, famous in stage history, is only one among 19 named characters, appearing in only five scenes. That's why the one named next to him in the play's character-list is important: Tubal he's called, described as "a Jew, his friend''. Guy Masterson has taken up the cause of these two characters, the only Jews in Shakespeare, and used them to create a semi-documentary, semi-theatrical exploration of the western world's treatment of Jews. Somehow, in a thoroughly entertaining medium, he communicates an appreciation of Shakespeare's complex play, the riches of Jewish humour and wit, and the grisly history of persecution Jews have suffered for centuries.

Source: Otago Daily Times October 09, 2016 21:11 UTC