Tracy-Ann Oberman on The Merchant of Venice’s return: “Even if you’ve seen it before it should feel new”

As a theater enthusiast and history aficionado who’s seen more plays than I care to count, let me tell you that Tracy-Ann Oberman’s rendition of The Merchant of Venice 1936 is an absolute must-see. This isn’t just Shakespeare reimagined; it’s a timely reminder of our past struggles against fascism and a poignant commentary on the present-day rise of antisemitism.

This week, Tracy-Ann Oberman returns to the West End once more for another performance of her highly praised adaptation of “The Merchant of Venice,” originally set in 1936.

Due to overwhelming support from both viewers and reviewers, the actress from EastEnders is coming back to play Shylock in London for a brief, four-week engagement. Following this, she’ll embark on the production’s next UK tour.

As a passionate creator, I’m absolutely astonished by the overwhelming response to my work. It pours straight from the depths of my heart. This project has been a long-time labor of love, and I chose to step away from television to devote myself fully to its realization. With each passing moment, it seems to bloom even more beautifully.

In a captivating twist, I find myself drawn to the reimagination of Shakespeare’s timeless comedy, set amidst the bustling streets of 1930’s London. This rendition casts Shylock as an East End mother, standing resolutely against the looming fascism personified by Oswald Moseley and his Black Shirts. It’s a gripping blend of history and literature that brings new life to a classic tale while shedding light on the struggles of a resilient woman in a turbulent era.

In the narrative, I found myself embroiled in a tense negotiation and high-stakes affair with Antonio, a British Union of Fascists associate. This escalated to the historic Battle of Cable Street, where anti-fascist demonstrators and I clashed with the Black Shirts on the bustling streets of London.

Reflecting on the relevance of this series in our current times, I find myself recalling the echoes of England’s past with Oswald Mosley. It’s crucial for us to be reminded of a period when unity stood strong against the threat of fascism, and how it serves as a powerful lesson for us today.

She added: “Each time the play resurfaces, it seems even more relevant. Sadly, antisemitism continues to increase, and the concept of labeling and scapegoating others has never felt more applicable.

As a passionate cinephile, I’d say it’s not only an exceptional piece of cinematic art but also a superb play. It’s captivatingly sensual, succinctly crafted, and serves as an excellent introduction to Shakespearean theatre for beginners. If you’re a politics or history enthusiast, this masterpiece offers the perfect blend of both worlds.

Although the series had achieved great success, Oberman made it clear that there were numerous aspects yet to refine for the upcoming season, such as introducing fresh actors like Joseph Millson from Sarah Jane Adventures.

Four exceptional actors have joined our cast, adding an exciting touch of glamour and fresh talent to our show. We’ve made some updates to the script, and a new creative movement team is on board to give it a unique spin.

“Even if you’ve seen it before it should feel new.”

In previous statements, Oberman mentioned that her portrayal of Shylock drew heavily from her own great-grandmother’s experiences.

During an interview with Broadway World, she shared that she grew up surrounded by three powerful women in her family. Her great-grandmother, Annie, bravely fled the pogroms in Belarus and made her way to England.

Instead, let me rephrase that for you: In this case, the actress chose to base her performance on her personal experiences as a parent for the character.

“From the beginning, I had a distinct image in mind about how things might play out if Shylock were portrayed as a woman, particularly focusing on her bond with her daughter.

Instead of focusing on an overly controlling father figure, I wondered about exploring such dynamics from a mother’s perspective. As a mother myself, I understand just how deeply intimate and potentially complex these mother-daughter relationships can be.

With the new version debuting onstage this coming week, we’re as thrilled as Oberman about the show’s comeback! Here’s your guide to securing tickets for yourself.

When and where can I see The Merchant of Venice 1936?

Starting from the 28th of December, 2024 and continuing through to the 25th of January, 2025, “The Merchant of Venice” (1936) is set to grace the Trafalgar Studios in London’s West End. Performances will take place every Tuesday to Saturday during this period.

Following this, the performance is scheduled to travel on a tour starting from 4th February up until 5th April, taking the stage in Bath, Leeds, Cardiff, and other locations as well.

How to get tickets to The Merchant of Venice 1936

You can grab tickets right now for the London performance through TodayTix or ATG Tickets, with ticket costs starting as low as £15.

If you want to see the show on tour, take a look at the official show website.

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2024-12-26 16:34