The Shakespeare Conference: SHK 21.0337  Monday, 2 August 2010

From:         John Drakakis <This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.>
Date:         July 29, 2010 5:26:29 AM EDT
Subject: 21.0326  Pacino as Shylock in the Park
Comment:      RE: SHK 21.0326  Pacino as Shylock in the Park

Many thanks for drawing this reference to my attention, Gabriel. I was unaware 
of it.

I suppose the question is 'how quick'? Shylock has effectively 7 lines in which 
to change (from 1.3. to 2.1), and even if, as you say, some swift attempt might 
be made to eradicate the black face, I wonder how effective it might be. Also, 
of course, Morocco appears again later in the play, and (if my speculation has 
any substance to it) it would make sense to keep the black face.  Hence the 
possibility that Salarino and Salanio's comments on Shylock's 'jet' appearance 
may refer to a literal black face.

But as I say, this is speculation, although what it does suggest is a shift of 
the emphasis of the play away from Shylock who has been its centre in the 
tradition (both theatrical and critical) -- and understandably so -- for a very 
long time.

Cheers,
John D

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