This highly acclaimed Shakespearean actor is African American. This production, which premiered at New York’s Theatre for a New Audience earlier this year, weds contemporary and ancient threads in casting powerhouse actor John Douglas Thompson as Shylock. The production now playing in Washington is directed by Arin Arbus, who worked mightily to elevate Shylock beyond the corrosive trope he has come to represent. John Douglas Thompson plays Shylock in the Shakespeare Theatre Company’s “The Merchant of Venice.” Photo by Henry Grossman I imagined it was cheered and enjoyed in Shakespeare’s time. Renowned literary critic Harold Bloom characterized Shakespeare’s “Merchant” as “a profoundly antisemitic work.” And while the playwright most likely never met a Jew - Edward I expelled the Jews in the late 13th century and were not allowed to return until about 50 years after the play was written - in today’s terms this unrepentant Jew hatred grates. Pardoned from the death sentence, Shylock instead must convert to Christianity. When the merchant’s ships are lost at sea, Shylock demands his pound of flesh.Ī trial ensues the settlement charges Shylock with shedding Antonio’s blood, which amounts to the murder of a Venetian citizen - punishable by death. Instead, the bond is set at one pound of Antonio’s flesh. Seeking a measure of revenge from Antonio, Shylock agrees to forgo interest on Antonio’s loan.

So, Antonio, who prides himself on interest-free loans as a “good Christian,” must seek a loan from Shylock, the Jewish moneylender of Venice, who has faced anti-Jewish diatribes and microaggressions daily. The arc of the play follows two friends - Bassanio, who wishes to impress eligible bachelorette Portia, but is tight on cash, and his friend Antonio, the merchant of the title, who lends him money he doesn’t have because his ships literally haven’t come in yet. What can and should we take away from this 400-year-old play in 2022, and beyond? We do not share data with third party vendors. Get Washington Jewish Week Digital Magazine by email and never miss our top stories

Harold bloom merchant of venice