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- Interview with Lilo Baur
Interview with Lilo Baur
What was your first impression of the character of Jessica, and how did that change as the season progressed?
Answer
How would you describe Jessica's function in the play? Answer
A lot of recent discussion about The Merchant of Venice has focused on the issue of anti-Semitism. How do you see Jessica's contribution to that theme of the play? Answer
The line 'here comes Lorenzo and his infidel' has provoked some strong reactions from the audience. How has this effected the way you play that moment in each performance? Answer
How have the audience reacted to the moment you describe in Question 4? Answer
What do you think we can learn (in a broader sense), from the character of Jessica about the role of women in Venetian society at the time when The Merchant of Venice was written? Answer
Jessica's final lines in the play 'I am never merry when I hear sweet music,' can be viewed as quite problematic. Would you agree that they do not provide an 'easy' ending to her story? Answer
How would you describe Jessica's relationship with Shylock? Answer
Do you think Jessica knows what effect her elopement will have on Shylock? Do you think she chooses to take Leah's ring deliberately to hurt Shylock? Answer
How would you describe Jessica's relationship with Launcelot Gobbo? Answer
How would you describe Jessica's relationship with Lorenzo? Answer