Ep 2. The Merchant of Venice With F. Murray Abraham

The Merchant of Venice is one of Shakespeare's most controversial plays and in this episode of Shakespeare Uncovered season 3 episode 2, actor F. Murray Abraham takes us on a journey to discover the truth behind the characters of this powerful play.

The episode begins with a review of what the audience may already know about The Merchant of Venice. Set in 16th century Venice, the play centers around the wealthy businessman Antonio who borrows money from the Jewish moneylender Shylock. When Antonio is unable to pay back his debt, Shylock demands a pound of flesh as payment, which leads to a dramatic court case and a question of justice versus mercy.

F. Murray Abraham, who himself played the role of Shylock onstage, notes that the play has often been viewed as anti-Semitic due to the portrayal of Shylock as the villain and the negative stereotyping of Jewish people. However, he explains that Shakespeare was in fact pushing back against the anti-Semitic attitudes of his time and was portraying Shylock as a complex character with both good and bad qualities.

To further explore the character of Shylock, Abraham travels to Venice to see how Shakespeare's portrayal of the city influenced the play. He visits the Jewish ghetto, where Jews were forced to live during the time the play was written, and discovers the harsh conditions they faced. He also meets with a Jewish scholar who provides insight on the cultural context of the time and the issues that Jews faced.

Abraham then delves into the symbolism of the play, discussing how the themes of money, mercy, and justice are intertwined. He notes that the play is not just a story of a merchant and a moneylender, but a play about the value of humanity and the struggle for justice and dignity.

The episode also touches on the other characters in the play, including Antonio, the merchant who is the central figure of the story, and Portia, the woman who fights for justice on behalf of Antonio. Abraham explores how their relationships with Shylock reveal deeper themes of forgiveness and revenge.

Throughout the episode, Abraham speaks with experts and scholars in the field of Shakespearean studies to gain a greater understanding of the play's complex themes and characters. They explore the historical and cultural context in which the play was written, and how it reflects the societal issues of the time.

In the end, Abraham concludes that The Merchant of Venice is a play that asks important questions about human nature and justice. It is a story that challenges us to confront our own prejudices and biases, and to strive for a deeper understanding and empathy for others.

Overall, Shakespeare Uncovered season 3 episode 2 provides a fascinating and insightful look into one of Shakespeare's most controversial plays. Through F. Murray Abraham's passion for the story and his deep understanding of the characters, viewers are able to gain a greater appreciation for the play's complexity and lasting impact.