Delve in to 'The Merchant of Venice' with a new angle: anti-Semitism. Take a close look at Shylock's character and the prejudice within the text. Students will be involved in discussions and debates on key themes and modern adaptations of this play.
A powerful, polemical analysis of one of Shakespeare's most controversial characters, this course delves into 'The Merchant of Venice' and challenges the conception, portrayal and discussion of Shylock. Used throughout history in vastly contrasting ways, Shylock is often said to represent some of the worst stereotypes targeted towards Jews, his forced conversion to Christianity at the play's end leaving a modern audience feeling decidedly uneasy. Is Shylock truly an anti-Semitic character? Should a non-Jewish actor ever be cast in the role? Can a modern staging of 'The Merchant of Venice' ever transcend the apparent prejudice within the text? Discover discussions surrounding these questions and more on this visceral and highly engaging course.
Course Content
8 LESSONS
8 HOURS Total Length
Lesson 1
The Merchant of Venice: Text and Performance
60 minutes
Lesson 2
'Hath Not a Jew Eyes?' Shylock In-Depth
60 minutes
Lesson 3
Problematic Portrayals
60 minutes
Lesson 4
Modern Anti-Semitism and Shakespearean Context
60 minutes
Lesson 5
Representation, Judaism, Religion vs. Race
60 minutes
Lesson 6
Israel, the Globe 2012 and Other Performative Protests
60 minutes
Lesson 7
Narrative, Character and Core of Questioning the Text
60 minutes
Lesson 8
Where Do We Go From Here?
60 minutes
Key Skills
Literary Analysis
Performance Analysis
Character Study
Critical Thinking
Educator
Sam E
English and Drama Educator
Sam is an actor and private Educator with a master's and first-class honours degrees from the University of Manchester and a master's in acting from one of the UK's leading drama schools.
