(l-r) Anton Golikov and Adam Capriolo-Morris
How I will Interpret the Role of Shylock
A character outline
by Adam Capriolo-Morris
When I was cast as Shylock, I had to decide how to portray him. This role has caused controversy for centuries; depending on how he is portrayed, the tone of the play can change drastically. If he is played as a villainous Jew, the play appears clearly anti-Semitic; the audience feels sympathy for Antonio, the merchant who was threatened by Shylock, and ignores the fact that Antonio had bullied and abused him.
