In the 1983 adaptation of The Merchant of Venice, why doesn't Portia know Jessica's name?

Question

The 1983 National Theater production of The Merchant of Venice has an interesting take on a moment in act 3 scene 4. According to Shakespeare's script, Portia is giving Lorenzo instructions, and in doing so, mentions Jessica, Lorenzo's wife, twice: > PORTIA: > My people do already know my mind, And will acknowledge you and Jessica In place of Lord Bassanio and myself. And so farewell, till we shall meet again. >LORENZO: Fair thoughts and happy hours attend on you! > JESSICA: I wish your ladyship all heart's content. > PORTIA: I thank you for your wish, and am well pleased To wish it back on you: fare you well Jessica. However, in the 1983 adaption, the actress playing Portia adds a small detail that isn't in the script: she forgets Jessica's name twice, pauses, and has to be reminded of Jessica's name by Jessica herself. Why was that detail added?

Answer 1

As with all performance adaptation, making an interpretive choice does in fact change the meaning. The question is then how. Portia not knowing or remembering Jessica's name suggests firstly that she does not know her, which is true, but also that she does not really care to. Jessica is not important to her. Jessica has a left her family, her people, everyone who cared about her and did think she was important, excepting perhaps her new husband. And these people, these Christians specifically, do not care. Even her husband's attention becomes less supportive and invested as the play goes on. Likely a choice like the one the actress made for Portia is meant to showcase how Jessica responds, so watch the scene again, and watch Jessica's actress's face: how does she react?