The Merchant of Venice 1936
Merchant of Venice 1936 play tickets: a bold new version of Shakespeare
Rethink one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies with Tracy-Ann Oberman’s bold and confronting Merchant of Venice 1936 play, back in the West End due to phenomenal demand. Oberman plays Jewish moneylender Shylock in this “striking” (The Guardian) version of the classic story, which reframes its heroes and villains against the backdrop of London’s East End in the 1930s. After two sold-out engagements at the Royal Shakespeare Company and an acclaimed transfer to the Criterion Theatre, don’t miss the “most important Shakespeare production of the year” (The Telegraph) at the Trafalgar Theatre.
1936, Cable Street, East London. Shylock is a Jewish single mother and businesswoman holding down a moneylending service. She’s determined to secure her daughter’s future, but Oswald Mosley is emboldening fascists, and they’re beginning to march in the streets. When antisemitic merchant Antonio asks Shylock for a loan and fails to repay it in time, she has an opportunity: seek revenge, or let it go?
Transported to a pivotal moment in British history, this electrifying version of Shakespeare’s tragedy turns its focus onto the Jewish community and asks us to rethink who deserves our sympathy in The Merchant of Venice play. Described as “thrillingly bold” (Time Out) and “essential” (Metro), it returns to the West End following several London and regional seasons that played to sold-out audiences.
Tracy-Ann Oberman is a “magnetic” (The Stage) Shylock in the Merchant of Venice 1936 play, which she also developed in collaboration with director Brigid Larmour. This is a labour of love for Oberman, whose other credits include EastEnders and Friday Night Dinner on the small screen, and Noises Off and Present Laughter on stage.
This is a powerful new take on a story that has been staged countless times across the world, and proves that Shakespeare’s work is enriched by the people who reimagine it. Catch Tracy-Ann Oberman’s “brave and deeply personal” (WhatsOnStage) performance in the West End for a strictly limited season.
Child friendly?
The Merchant of Venice 1936 play age rating is to be confirmed.