Interview with Norbert Kentrup

What was your first impression of the character of Shylock, and how did that change as the season progressed? Answer.

Do you expect audience reactions to the character of Shylock to be so extreme? When you started did you expect the audience to sympathise with Shylock? Answer.

How would you describe Shylock’s function in the play? Answer.

You have said that Shylock isn't a huge part - he does not appear in Act 5. What do you feel is the journey he goes through from the beginning to the end of the play? Answer.

Do you know what source that was taken from? (Refer to Norbert’s answer to Question 4) Answer.

Shylock’s conversion is one of the most debated issues in the play. Is it your feeling that Shylock agrees nominally to convert but does not? Answer.

The Merchant of Venice is today seen as a controversial play, primarily because of the issue of anti-Semitism. What are your feelings about producing the play in the current social climate? Do you think it should be produced? Answer.

Some lines such as 'I hate him for he is a Christian' have been viewed as particularly controversial. Some productions cut those lines. They weren't cut in this production is that something that you felt strongly about? Answer.

The Merchant of Venice has been described as an anti-Semitic play. Would you agree with that description? Answer.

Could you describe some of the ways in which you developed the character of Shylock during the rehearsal process? Answer.

Your company was the first to work in the Globe and this is the second time you have been on the Globe stage, the first time in a full production. How is it different working in the Globe to other theatres? Answer.

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