THE MERCHANT OF VENICE

Sport for Jove

The Seymour Centre

22nd-30th May

Rumour has it (as I had not yet to witness one of their shows) Sport for Jove have a reputation for producing excellent and engaging Shakespearean theatre that very much appeals to an Australian eye and ear. It is always intriguing to wonder before seeing a companys take on one of Shakespeare’s plays, how they choose to tackle it. With the experience of a director like Richard Cottrell there was little doubt that this production would have style and professional finish. And that it certainly did, it was dapper in every way stylistically speaking. The set and costumes by designer Anna Gardiner had that Great Gatsby feel to them mixed with very clear salutations to the time of Shakespeare’s living days. This was a top production, turning rumour for me into fact. Sport for Jove have a real nach for Shakespeare, the language in the mouths of the actors came naturally in delivery and through physical expression, the poetry treated like a dear friend. There was no awkward exchanges or delivery choices in vocal inflections, nothing but a natural engagement with fluid tempo and coherent understanding of what was being said and what story was unfolding before them. Cottrell has worked magic within simplicity allowing the language to shine and do the work that all great writing does naturally. Bar the obvious hero, Shakespeare, the congratulations on excellence must go towards the cast. Not only was this production cast impeccably, each actor individually provided their audience with not only a true understanding of the text within the stage which is their voices, but their abilities to engage with the comedy and the drama in such a gorgeous and contemporary manner. Their body language too had clear comprehension of the complex nature and poetry of Shakespeares’ writing. A cast who performed with great legerity solo and in unison.

Stand-out performances for me were Jonathan Elsom, who played various roles through-out. A seasoned performer whose decades of experience and chiselled character development gave a wealth to the performance that I considered a rare treat to witness. Elsoms’ comic timing and physical expression kept a smile on your face with a giggle often getting loose now and then due to his clever physicality and facial expression. A generous performer for both his audience and to his fellow actors. A not to be missed performance from Elsom.

Michael Cullum too playing various roles through-out the piece showcased his talent to transform himself, giving each of his characters a unique platform and physical presence that had his audience lapping up every word, understood or not, it mattered not. Cullum gave a solid comical performance that made you appreciate his passion and skill within his craft. A bold, fresh performer.

Darcy Brown shone like a brass penny in uniform as Solanio. Brown has a skillful way in performing that is uniquely his own. A grounded actor, his performance felt real and possessive in nature, his relationship with text made for an engaging watch that had you forgetting to blink. A true talent with a DiCaprio air about him, star quality and one to watch.

Damien Strouthos gave a punchy and galloping performance as Gratiano. Strouthos clearly has a strong relationship with Shakespeare and his love for this style of theatre radiates from his performance. Strouthos showed a comfort with himself and character in the four walls of this play like no other on the stage. Strouthos highlighted both comedy and drama with fluro making for a vivid and vivacious performance.

Erica Lovell, as Narissa and Lizzie Schebesta, as Portia both made for an exciting watch. Both ladies gave their performances comedic flare with cheek and charm. Not a shy lash between them Schebesta and Lovell gave envious performances that were ballsy and savvy.

James Lugton, as Antonio, Chris Stalley, as Bassanio and John Turnbull, as Shylock must be applauded for their veridical performances. Their contributing talent and energy was electric and stimulating, each providing their characters with grandeur and style.

Aaron Tsindos, played a hilarious Prince of Morocco having his audience in fits of laughter at his characters expense. Tsindos brought a unique talent to the stage, a palpable performance with dashes of quirky expression and mesmeric mannerisms. Pip Dracakis, as Beatrice performed with elegance and contagious fervor, a lovely performance.

Jason Kos, as Lorenzo and Lucy Hefferman, as Jessica felt like the babies of the cast with their grips on the language and their portrayal of character. Kos gave a fine, clean performance with Hefferman feeling held back somehow in delivery. Both actors yielding an innocence as their characters token to the work, which worked fine, but wondered if more exploration could be considered towards their characters content of character.

Sport for Jove have developed and presented a cynosure production with a culturati cast and crew, thus making for a strong, current Shakespearean encounter. A lasting first impression, and very much living up to their reputation for excellence!