Letter: Wesker and Shylock
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Arnold Wesker's trenchant attack on Shakespeare's play The Merchant of Venice ("Shame on you, Shakespeare", 21 July) is made to look foolish by the production currently running at the National Theatre.
Henry Goodman's brilliant performance as Shylock is subtler than Wesker's arguments. It doesn't claim that Shakespeare's text is either anti-Semitic or anti-racist. Instead, it pursues suggestive connections between Shylock's anxious love for his motherless daughter and his embattled position in fiercely racist Venice.
His portrayal charts the painful progress of Shylock from a personal wound (the loss of his daughter) into public vengeful hatred. In its detail and humanity, it carries understanding and sympathy throughout this journey without ever losing sight of its pointless folly. This makes the production both topical and poignant.
Such nuances are more easily explored in drama than polemic. Even so, it is strange that Wesker does not mention this extraordinary production.
TOM MORRIS
Director
Battersea Arts Centre
London SW11
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments