←Recommendations of The Conversos of Venice

A rich, poetic, theatrical sequel and response to Shakespeare's "Merchant" and its troublesome anti-Semitism and character dynamics. World-building is remarkable, and I especially love the the commedia elements. I recently had the pleasure of being in the audience for a reading of this piece, and it was an absolute delight to experience actors sinking their choppers into juicy roles. Bravo, Ian Thal!

A touching and thoughtful dramatic reply to The Merchant of Venice that would make an excellent companion piece to that play. Conversos blurs the line between history and fiction, and written in light of changing historical and scholarly perspectives on Shakespeare's characters, flips the script into a satisfying sequel. The cherry on top is Thal's inclusion of commedia and folk song as essential plot elements.

Thal's play immerses us in the multicultural frenzy and bustling commerce of 17th century Venice -- complete, unlike its "prequel" THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, with its canals! While drawing from Commedia dell'arte's situational comedy, the tale is steeped in tragicomedy as running beneath it all is the ever present lurid antisemitism of Shakespeare's play and the treatment of the character Shylock. Thal "fleshes" out this character, humanizes him and adds moments of levity including my favorite line: "The Inglés wish not to become Escocés. I have seen their plays and they would rather be Italianos." Quite a trip!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.