England Abroad Presents "The Merchant of Venice"
Students returning from the England Abroad recently staged William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice. The work was written as a comedy, yet complex themes of blatant anti-Semitism, prejudice, and injustice permeate the story, and Principia’s production addressed them head on. “Shakespeare’s story holds up a mirror to his society—as well as to ours,” says Theatre Professor and the production’s Director Chrissy Steele, who led the abroad along with English Professor Dr. Heidi Snow (C’79). “It also seems relevant given recent events in Charlottesville and the rise of anti-immigration sentiments. What does it mean to have compassion for others who are different from us? Are mercy and forgiveness possible in response to injustice? Shakespeare’s play—written over 400 years ago—explores these concepts.”
To probe these issues more deeply, each performance included a post-show discussion, led by Dr. Billy Miller (C'72), who teaches sociology. And Religion Professor Dr. Gretchen Starr-LeBeau gave a campus talk on opening day, placing the play in its historical context and providing an overview of anti-Semitism across the centuries, with particular emphasis on 16th-century Italy. In addition, students prepared a lobby display outside Davis’s Black Box Theatre to share their in-depth research conducted at the British Library and Shakespeare’s birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon.
The production was such a success that two actors received independent recognition for their performances. Senior Elle Miller, who played Portia, and Riley Capp, who played Shylock, a Jewish moneylender, were nominated for the Irene Ryan Scholarship audition at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival Region III in January.
Preparing, Exploring, and Bonding in England
During the abroad, theatre training with professionals included a two-week intensive workshop on voice, acting, movement, historical dance, and stage combat at Shakespeare’s Globe in London. Students also watched King Lear and Much Ado About Nothing at the Globe, standing directly in front of the stage just as “groundlings” did in Shakespeare’s day. “Being a groundling was a unique opportunity and by far the best way to gain the full Shakespeare experience,” Riley says.
Along with their research and workshops, students hiked in the Lake District, got to know their homestay families, learned about the history of the Christian Science movement in England from local church members, and visited Claremont Fan Court School, where they taught theatre classes and staged scenes from A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Students also toured Hampton Court and other iconic British locations.
The Lake District segment of the trip was a highlight for junior Cole Johnson, who played Bassanio, a Venetian gentleman. “It is gorgeous there!” Cole says. “Seeing the area made me realize how the English write such beautiful poetry!”
And as typically happens during Principia abroad programs, the group grew very close, supporting each other throughout their journey. “I’m very grateful for the unity we experienced—it felt like a family,” says senior Samantha Bronkar, who played two characters in the play—the Prince of Arragon and Tubal, a Jewish citizen.
Enjoy this short video clip, which takes you behind the scenes of The Merchant of Venice. And read the students’ blog. Modeled after the popular Humans of New York, it introduces readers to some of the people they met.