SHAKESPEARE

Synopsis

Six-part documentary series on the history of global finance written and presented by Professor Niall Ferguson. In this first episode Ferguson speaks (c 10 mins) about the history of usary, referring to Shylock as a representative of a tradition of individual usury which was largely replaced by the founding of the first banks and the rise of the de Medicis. Ferguson believes that Shakespeare’s play ‘raises profound questions about economics and anti-Semitism’. There is a brief (and weak) dramatic reconstruction with costumed actors playing Shylock and Bassanio. Bassanio speaks the lines (I iii) ‘May you stead me? Will you pleasure me? Shall I/know your answer? and ‘Have you heard any imputation to the contrary?.'

Series

Ascent of Money, The

Language

English

Country

Great Britain

Medium

Television

Technical information

Colour / Sound

Transmission details

17 Nov 2008 at 20:00 (Channel: Channel Four)

Duration

48 mins

Credits

Director

Adrian Pennink

Producer

Joanna Potts; Melanie Fall

Cinematographer

Dewald Aukema

Writer

Niall Ferguson

Music

Steven Severn

Cast

Gareth Armstrong	Shylock
Richard Lintern	Bassanio

Additional Details

Production type

Television and Radio Drama

Plays

Henry VI part 3; Merchant of Venice, The

Subjects

Economics

Keywords

money lending; Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Shylock

Production Company

Name

Chimerica Media

Sponsor

Name

Channel 4

Archive

Name

BFI National Archive

Web

http://www.bfi.org.uk/archive-collections/searching-access-collections/research-viewing-services External site opens in new window

Phone

020 7255 1444

Fax

020 7436 0165

Address

21 Stephen Street
London
W1T 1LN

Name

Learning on Screen Off-Air Recording Back-up Service

Email

services@bufvc.ac.uk

Web

http://bufvc.ac.uk/tvandradio/offair External site opens in new window

Phone

020 7393 1514

Fax

020 7393 1555

Address

For Learning on Screen Members only
77 Wells Street
London
W1T 3QJ