Interview: David Fielder in The Merchant of Venice

11:31am Friday 26th September 2008

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In playing Shylock in the Octagon’s new production of The Merchant of Venice, actor David Fielder is taking on one of Shakespeare’s most iconic roles.

DAVID Fielder has brought Shakespeare to audiences around the world.

As a member of the Royal Shakespeare Company he’s performed at the traditional home of The Bard.

And now he’s at Bolton’s Octagon Theatre for the first time, playing what he believes is one of Shakespeare’s great characters — Shylock in The Merchant of Venice “It’s strange but Shylock only has 360 lines in the play, which is a tiny part in Shakespearean terms,” said David. “But the impression he has made on audiences over the years is immense.”

As a Jewish moneylender in Venice, Shylock is hated both for his religious beliefs and for his profession. In the play he is portrayed as stubborn, unyielding and ultimately loses everything.

“You have to feel sorry for him really,” said David. “When you think his daughter runs off and leaves him, he’s attacked and robbed and even has his religion taken from him.

“The great strength of Shakespeare is that, no matter what age it is performed in, you can find interpretations that are relevant. I think the message in Merchant of Venice, that you are responsible for your own destiny, is still true.

“There are many parallels in the play with what’s going on in the world today, from our attitude to race to the pursuit of wealth. It does have a very contemporary message”

David is looking forward to his first time at the Octagon.

“It is such an intimate space,” he said. ”The audience are right on top of you so you can really connect with them.”

As someone who has spent much of his working life with Shakespeare, David had some words of advice for theatregoers who may be put off from going to see a play performed live.

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t understand every word,” he said. “Even if you only get one word out of seven you’ll be OK. It can be pretty deep stuff and you will go in and out of the play and find your own level.

“But it is about the human condition and audiences can relate to that whether they get every word or not.”

David has enjoyed the whole experience of coming to the Octagon.

“As a performer, what has been really exciting has been working with a company that is totally new to me. They are all a delightful group and great fun.”

After the Merchant of Venice, David hopes to tour America with a production of The Tempest.

“Shakespeare has been very kind to me. It has been my passport around the world,” he said.

l The Merchant of Venice is at the Octagon Theatre, Bolton, until Saturday, October 11. Details from the box office on 01204 502661.