Dramatisation

• 1. The court scene in act 4 scene 1 in the merchant of Venice is a critical moment that’s suffused with tension/suspense and high points.
• 2. The first aspect of dramatisation I would focus on is the backdrops and prop.This play was set at a time in which, court rooms were ornate and lavishly furnished as opposed to court rooms now. I will dramatise the scene in a large courtroom that features high platforms for the Judge and hardwood benches for the Venetian citizens/onlookers in the play. I would also portrayed walls covered in exquisite paintings that the pic images of justice and mercy.
• The second aspect of dramatisation I will focus on is the appearance of characters. I will convey Shylock in the well appointed red and black velvet cloak”Jewish gaberdine” and the fancy cane to symbolise his power in this situation at the beginning of this scene. I will also convey him with a Payos To represent his Jewish identity. His Jewish identity is evident when he states that “by our holy sabbath have I sworn.” I would depict Antonio in a tattered brown tunic to represent his loss of wealth and social class and as a pound of flesh is going to be cut from him.
• In terms of the duke/judge I would dress him on a long black robe and a judicial wig to portray his judicial authoritative role. I will depict Portia (Dr Balthasar ) in black formal attire,that’s comparable to the duke but still distinguishable. I would also portray Antonio soliloquising (saying his thoughts allowed) realising that this is his death sentence and that his life will be cut short.
• The other aspect of dramatisation I will focus on a sound effects. First of all in the play in order to show the duke’s importance, I would play trumpet sounds upon his arrival. I would play coronet sounds upon Portia ‘s arrival as she is lauded by shylock and others. “Upright judge,O learnèd judge”. In order to capture Antonio’s pensive mood I would use background rain sounds that comes from outside the courtroom.
• Additionally I would incorporate the sound of courtroom chatter when the case reaches high stakes ,such as the judge declaring that that “a pound of that same merchants flesh is thine” as this would encourageveryone to wonder if the merchant would be slain.At this moment I would also include sound effects like the sharpening of a knife.
• 4th aspect - facial expressions and posture.

  • At the beginning - Antonio with down cast eyes and posture him slouched as he has accepted his fate. But in the end his look is a slight smile ; despite his victory he reverts that shylock has lost his money.
  • I would depict shylock with a delighted facial expression,some what grinning,since he’s confident that he will take a poud of Antonio’s flesh. Towards the end I would depict shylock in a way suggesting numbness, with a dropping jaw as he was defeated in the end.
• He then,changes to a sombre tone by saying “I pray you give me leave to go from here.” To elaborate on this I would include Antonio clenching his fists as he realises that his life is at stake.
• I would portray shylock moving his hands down in a joyous manner. I would convey the duke pointing at Antoni,implying that he wants to speak to Antonio. Dr Balthasar-Portia has authoritative role.I would depict her bringing the court to order and moving her hands from left to right to make her suggestions.
• The final attribute of dramatisation I will refer to is lighting I would use floodlights to heighten the sense of the play because each part of the court scene is essential, so a floodlight will be best to depict this. I‘d also use a spotlight to illustrate the shininess of the kinfe which is essential because it defines Antonio‘s fate.
• I believe that features of dramatisation are vital because they enrich your viewing experience in an artistic sense. Through these aspects of dramatisation you may almost feel as if you’re in the play.