Shakespeare in production: The Merchant of Venice

Authors

Charles Edelman, Edith Cowan University

Document Type

Book

Publisher

Cambridge University Press

Place of Publication

Cambridge [England]

Editor(s)

Charles Edelman

Faculty

Faculty of Community Services, Education and Social Sciences

School

School of International, Cultural and Community Studies

RAS ID

372

Comments

Shakespeare, W., & Edelman, C. (2002). The merchant of Venice (Shakespeare in production). Cambridge England: Cambridge University Press.

ISBN: 0521774292

Abstract

For over four hundred years, in every country where Shakespeare's plays have been performed, The Merchant of Venice has aroused controversy and excitement. This edition is the first to offer a comprehensive account of the Merchant in performance. Charles Edelman's introduction challenges many of the myths and preconceptions associated with the play, and shows how historical events and cultural attitudes have shaped actors' interpretations and audience responses. The commentary, printed alongside the text, describes how different actors, directors and designers have approached each character and episode on stage, film and television, from the first performances in the 1590s to the present day. The extraordinary variety of The Merchant of Venice in production will give every reader new and different insights into one of Shakespeare's most powerful but troubling plays.