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We weren't sure what (or who!!) to expect at the aftershow discussion - but a chap came on and invited us to remain in our seats and wait for the cast to join us. Twelve chairs were put at the front of the stage - a good sign! The 'chap' (theatre education director) then 'warmed us up' by getting discussion going on the set, the modern dress etc. Lots of overall praise. Carol spoke of seeing a modern dress version with Sean Bean where it was confused by swords v guns etc. There was general agreement that the modern dress had worked well here, almost unnoticeable; letting you concentrate on the play.
Then they all came on!!!! Philip in shorts! He sat on a chair at first but then too many came onto the stage so he and another sat on the stage itself. They all introduced themselves and who they played - starting with a laugh by the first chap who introduced himself saying “I'm Kieran and I played Shylock!!” Liar liar!! Then at the end came - 'I'm Philip and I played Antonio!'
I can't remember all of the discussion but it was very interesting and informative. A man kicked off by asking about the interpretation of the Jewish issue - and whether the difference in perception of Jews in Elizabethan times and now was considered. Desmond Barrit said that Shakespeare wouldn't have met a Jew - what did a Jew look like? He felt he had been miscast until he put on the yarmulke and pulled his hair back etc.
Talk turned to trying to address issues that are the same today. Media influence was discussed with particular reference to Iraq. There are people and 'un-people' today. 6000 children dying a month in Iraq seem to matter less than powerful people. Cast members spoke of the humanity of a frightening unknown figure - an alien! Another spoke of the inability to handle being in the same room as something we're frightened of. Niamh Cusack said that Gale Edwards wanted to address racism. We are all people. Feelings for Shylock were discussed and the sense of sympathy for him. Many agreed that it was a bit to and fro. A lady said that she felt Shylock was pushed over the edge, not monstrous. Is Shylock the villain of the piece? Desmond Barrit said Shylock behaved as he thought he should; the only way he could make a living. Someone said Barrit was the most moving Shylock he'd seen.
Launcelot Gobbo (Stephen Ventura) spoke of his problem with reconciling his part and 'being funny'. Gale took out all references to 'clown' which helped. Otherwise very little was left out of the text.
A lady spoke of the fun of the set. Niamh spoke of the effect of the water and lighting being evocative - with the emptiness of the set helping to feel close to the audience. Nothing to hold on to - except other actors! Expansive; like the language - epic and thrilling. She was very enthusiastic. Barrit made us laugh by likening the actors to 'lighthouses' having to spin around to encompass the whole audience.
Discussion turned to Antonio. A lady said she has always been on his side when seeing other productions but not this time! Philip said he and Shylock are both outsiders; left with nothing - but Antonio possibly deserved it. Vicious and ruthless. Often played quite wimpily. But played true to the text.
Jessica's complex loyalties were mentioned and then as time had run out and it was agreed that there was much more we could talk about, the education director pointed out that the Chic Café would be open late and we could continue over there - which many of us did!!!
What a fantastic evening! I'm so grateful to the cast and staff for the opportunity. Friendly and informal. A real privilege! More please!
