The Merchant of Venice - 1936

Tour synopsis, cast & creatives

Shylock is a proud and defiant man. But when he demands a severe debt to be repaid he becomes a victim of his own intransigence and most seriously, the prejudice of others. London, 1936 the threat of fascism grows day by day. Shylock a widow, single mother and survivor of attacks on Jewish people in Russia, runs a small business from her home in Cable Street. Oswald Mosley and the British Union of Fascists plan a march through the Jewish East End and a fragile peace is shattered. Into Shylock's world enters antisemitic Antonio in need of a loan, a dangerous deal is made. Will Shylock take her revenge? A powerful reminder of a key moment in British history.

Cast/Performers

Tracy-Ann Oberman (Shylock)

Creatives/Company

Author: Shakespeare
Producer(s): Trafalgar Theatre Productions, Eilene Davidson Productions (in association with Royal Shakespeare Company)
Company(s): Watford Palace Theatre, Home Manchester
Director: Brigid Larmour
Costume: Liz Cooke
Design: Liz Cooke
Lighting: Rory Beaton
Sound: Sarah Weltman
Music: Erran Baron Cohen