RSS 2.0 FeedDecember 21, 2011, Theatre
Another side of Shylock
The absorbing one-man show “Shylock” was one excellent example of the standout performances that make up Central Standard Theatre’s British Invasion series, featuring some of the most thoughtful, intelligent one-act and full-length plays from across the pond.
To see Guy Masterson perform in the one-man show, Shylock, is an exercise in stamina. For Masterson, that entails rapidity of movement and multiple characters; for the audience, the ability to keep up with Masterson’s swift delivery of literary and historical references. The play, written and directed by Gareth Armstrong, balances between quick-witted, Shakespearean comedy and abridged Jewish history lecture, which are weaved together seamlessly throughout the play.
Shylock, the moneylender in Merchant of Venice, is one of only two explicitly Jewish characters in all of Shakespeare’s oeuvre. He’s a much-scrutinized figure, and throughout theatrical history, he’s been seen as both villain and victim. In this production, Shylock’s only friend, Tubal, utilizes historical accounts ranging from scripture to Dracula to poignantly explain his friend’s tenuous role and portrayal to the audience. The first act contains a frenetic rush of characters, from Pontius Pilate to Edward Kean, as Tubal defends his friend while also often conspicuously pointing out the overlooked importance of the mere eight lines that Shakespeare penned for him (Tubal, that is).
The second act reigns in the energy for a powerfully concise performance of all of Shylock’s scenes in Merchant of Venice, which allows Masterson to flex his impressive range. Masterson’s Tubal glides superbly in and out of the roles making great use of simple props and intuitive movement, while ushering the audience through dense passages of historic morsels and comedic relief. The script doesn’t ever feel preachy or overly academic, leaving the audience with a keenly clever education in the extremity of the victimization of this famous theatrical representative of the Jewish people.
REVIEW:
Central Standard Theatre
Shylock (part of the British Invasion series)
Reviewed Thursday, December 15, 2011
Metropolitan Ensemble Theatre
3604 Main Street, Kansas City, MO
For tickets call 816-569-3226 or online at www.metkc.org
Top Photo: Guy Masterson in Central Standard Theatre's Shylock
Film, Theatre Contributor
Calli Parker studied film production and English at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. After working on various projects in Kansas City, she relocated to Los Angeles where she served as a production manager and assistant director on short and feature films. Currently residing in Kansas City, Calli continues to collaborate with the talented filmmakers and artists of the emerging arts community.
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