Stage Directions for Act I Scene iii in The Merchant of Venice

Essay

Instructions: Choose a speech or dialogue that interests you. You are going to write an essay from the director’s point of view including ‘pointers’ to the actors.

Act I - Scene iii (p25-26)

Hello actors, as you know, I shall be your director for a part of Act I - Scene iii. This dialogue is played by Shylock and Antonio. I intend to give you both specific stage directions on where you must stand, who you should look at and how you should act.

To start with you Antonio, when you pronounce your first line, I would like you to place your hand upon Shylock’s shoulder while you look at him. Your second hand is to be held to the side with your palm facing up as if you were to shrug your shoulders. A slight pause after ‘Shylock’ would sound good with a questioning tone of voice for the rest of the sentence. You need to sound as if you really desire the money from Shylock and that he is your last hope for your best friend’s contentment in the future with his dearest Portia. Shylock should appear hesitant and exasperated as if he was opposed to lending him the money. He must also be thinking about a way in which Antonio could suffer the consequences if the bond isn’t repaid.

During the long retort I would like you, Shylock, to add many pauses, more or less long after the commas and other sorts of punctuation marks. From ‘Signior Antonio’ to ‘our tribe’, you should have a calm voice with a minor impression of irritation. You must look at Antonio as you address him but then look away while walking around the stage and looking occasionally at the audience. I require hand gestures such as indicating yourself, rubbing your thumb and middle finger to indicate money, shrugging your shoulders et cetera. For the last line of this section, you are trying to create self-pity hence it would be appropriate if you use a melancholy and moving attitude and soft voice.

Shylock, in this next sentence, you should gradually increase the volume and intensity put in the words. You have to accentuate the main words to emphasise his deep anger and hatred Shylock has towards Antonio.