Stage Left Studio
presents

ANTONIO AND SHYLOCK: MONSTERS

Adapted and Directed by DIKRAN TULAINE

Featuring
DIKRAN TULAINE, KC WEAKLEY, LIAM BOBERSKY, TC CORWIN,
CHERYL KING, & ANNETTE GUARASSI

Board Operator: ELLEN ROSENBERG

Stage Left Studio
214 West 30th Street
6th Floor
New York, NY 10001
October 19, 22, 23, & 26, 2014
www.stageleftstudio.net

This production is a complete remake of the play of the same name presented by Stage Left earlier this year. It is now performed with great effect in-the-round. And as opposed to the “groundlings” of Shakespeare’s age, this play has “stage-lings”, because the audience is welcome to seats on the stage while the players occupy the center of the usual seating space.

Based on Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice”, MONSTERS concentrates on the bigotry of Christian versus Jew and vice-versa. It focuses intensely on the scenes where the bargain for the pound of flesh is made, and the trial scene in which Shylock vehemently demands exactly that as his payment. Examining the complicated relationships of Shylock and Antonio and the times they live in, playwright DIKRAN TULAINE expands on and deepens these characters, their conflicts, and their rationales. All is trimmed to an exploration of hatred and the desire for revenge.

TULAINE also plays Shylock, and he is fabulous. His dark, deep intensity makes him a “monster” that still evokes the sympathy of the audience. His rage has a valid basis. Christians subject his race to verbal, personal, and economic abuse—until they need something from them. Shylock loaned Antonio the money when he needed it. Antonio did not pay it back on time. It is not about money now, it is about invoking the law to permit Shylock’s brutal revenge for every insult, every mockery. A lifetime of anger will be resolved when he carves out that pound of flesh.

The traditional “quality of mercy” speech is made. Shylock couldn’t care less. He wants his pound of flesh and nothing can change his mind. The Venetian judges plead with him to accept a large sum of money instead, or simply abandon his devilish deal. It all has a very modern ending, based on tricky legal wording. Some things never change. Another excellent production from Stage Left.

-Karen D’Onofrio-