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The Conversos of Venice by Ian Thal

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Recommendations

  • Rachel Feeny-Williams:
    30 Sep. 2023
    “ I read this play with complete Awe at the dedication Ian has put to his research behind the story he's created! Its a play gorgeously rich and story and sets the imagination on fire with the way certain scenes are presented and the wonderful dialogue that is both witty and strong in equal measure. There are somethat would say Shakespeare has been overdone but Ian has created a wonderfully unique take on a tale that is well known across schools and colleges. Its a piece that offers a varied cast and a fabulous opportunity for directors and producers alike! ”
  • Christopher Soucy:
    19 Oct. 2022
    “ What a well crafted, thoughtful exploration on the events that follow the end of The Merchant of Venice. One of Shakespeare’s most popular works leaves many questions unanswered, Ian Thal proposes exciting and heartfelt takes on the destinies of Shakespeare’s esteemed characters. I would love to see this performed in tandem with Merchant of Venice. ”
  • Jarred Corona:
    27 May. 2022
    “ I had to do some quick Googling at the start - I know little about Shakespeare's Merchant, and I'm not about to read it. It shed light on some things. Yet, as far as I can see, Ian Thal's story and characterization is so rich I hadn't needed to. Honestly, given that and the rise in antisemitism over the past decade, (as well as my own distaste for Shakes), I'd much prefer theatres produce Thal. It's well written, has no high barrier of entry, and clearly showcases how some "good Christians," not just Nazis, have/continue to harm Jewish people. ”
  • Cheryl Bear:
    22 Oct. 2021
    “ A fascinating look at what happened to the characters from "The Merchant of Venice" ten years later, shining a spotlight on the issues of the day. Will they find their way through it? Well done. ”
  • Larry Rinkel:
    29 Mar. 2021
    “ Both a commentary on Shakespeare and a sequel, "Conversos" expands on the most troubling issues presented in the original "Merchant": Shylock's forced conversion, Jessica's voluntary conversion, Antonio's gayness, Portia's transgender yearnings, even (the absent) Bassanio's profligacy. There are unexpected dislocations (like Portia's estrangement from Bassanio, and Jessica's from Lorenzo), unexpected villainy (Antonio), and unexpected reconciliations (like Jessica's with Shylock). All these are woven in a complex, highly literate dramatic web where the beauty of Ian Thal's poetic language dominates the whole, and there is much to stimulate the actors, and the stage and costume designers as well. ”
  • Arman Khan:
    29 Oct. 2020
    “ The Conversos of Venice takes place ten years after The Merchant of Venice and highlights that the characters didn’t get their “happily ever after.” They all struggle with identity due to the conformity society places on them: Portia wants power yet can’t get it because of her gender; Antionio can’t love men as he desires; Gessica/Yiskah struggles to transition from her Jewish heritage to Christianity; Shylock is angry after being forced to become a Christian. Thal highlights how emotionally damaging and heartbreaking it is when people are forced to give up their talents and identity. ”
  • Jenny Seidelman:
    5 Jul. 2020
    “ This is a fascinating rumination on the complicated and uncomfortable character dynamics of "The Merchant of Venice" and their possible lives years after the great play. Thal has created rich roles, most especially for women, that any Shakespearean actor would enjoy digging his or her teeth into. ”
  • Jenny Seidelman:
    5 Jul. 2020
    “ This is a fascinating rumination on the complicated and uncomfortable character dynamics of "The Merchant of Venice" and their possible lives years after the great play. Thal has created rich roles, most especially for women, that any Shakespearean actor would enjoy digging his or her teeth into. ”
  • Chelsea Frandsen:
    29 May. 2020
    “ I am a long-time fan of "Merchant of Venice" and Ian Thal's spiritual sequel does not disappoint. Powerful and juicy roles for both men and women, beautiful poetic dialogue and a very tight and clear plot make this play a winner! ”
  • Doug DeVita:
    28 May. 2020
    “ Intensely and inventively theatrical, this sequel-of-sorts to Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" is a wonderful work of art all its own. Thal's knowledge, and love of, these characters as well as his complete mastery of the world they inhabit, is on display like a jewel in a perfect setting, and I would love to see this staged in all it's commedia dell'arte glory. ”

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