"The Merchant"

Radio Record, 27 May 1938, Page 62

"The Merchant"

Wellington Repertory Made Shakespeare Popular

(Reviewed by

G.H.

M.

HE Wellington Repertory Theatre’s presentation of "The Merchant of Venice" last week met with the success it deserved. The night I went I had difficulty in getting a seat, and, even allowing for the loyalty of the members to Shakespeare, the society and ‘"flash-and-blood" in general, such full houses were a worthy tribute to the producer, W. S. Wauchop, and the cast. Such a play, with so many characters, must make heavy demands on any amateur society’s acting . strength; and there were, not unnatur- : ally, some weaknesses in the minor parts-and in a few of the major ones, too. But for the most part, the production was remarkably even, and in some respects not far short of brilliant. The modern trend of Shakespearean preduction was exemplified in the simplicity of settings and the reduction of scene changes; but modesty in this direction was offset by the magnificence of the costuming, particularly that of the women. If the women dominated the sartorial scene, they also, to my mind. dominated the acting. Perhaps this is natural, for "The Merchant of Venice" is, after all, a tale of feminine triumph. Sinclair Ronald’s portrayal of Portia was rich but restrained, and she brought out most of the subtleties of her part. Leslie Jackson (Nerissa) and Rosalind Chadwick (Jessica) were no less capable, and their diction was particularly charming. UL. J. Maule’s Shylock was, in the traditional mauner, full of coutrast, but (as it should be) more likely to compel sympathy than repulsion. Strange, but [ cau never see the downfall of Shylock and hear the smug "Christian leniency" of the judgment against him without feeling rather ashamed of being Christian. Mr. Maule sustained the part excellently, especially the voice. Arthur Heany’s performance of Attonio was colourless. The horrible doom hanging over Antonio’s head appeared to worry him very little. The audience may know all along that Antonio will be saved by Portia’s pleading, but the actor playing the part, should not give the impression that he knows too. John Roberts, as Bassanio, was a suitably romautie figure: but on the whole the men in the cast had more difficulty in giving the seimblanece of reality to Shakespeare's vast improbabilities than did the women. We often hear the complaint thut Shakespeare is not well enough know: these days. I aim inclined to the opin jou that parts of him are too well known, They bring back memories of the school classroom that, in my owi case at least, rather interfere with the dramatic effect. When Portia beguu her "Quality of merey speech," for in stance, I had the momentary feeling that the audience ought to join jin ooue repeat it with her. Still, as I began by saying ~o'e5 Merchant" was a worthwhile veuture which put no strain upon the mercy of the audience. .