The Merchant of Venice (Programme 2009)

director: Edward Hall
costumes: Hannah Lobelson
stage design: Michael Pavelka

with: Bob Barrett, Kelsey Brookfield,
Babou Ceesay, Richard Clothier,
Richard Dempsey, John Dougal,
Richard Frame, Emmanuel Idowu,
Jonathan Livingstone, Chris Myles,
Thomas Padden, Sam Swainsbury,
Jack Tarlton, Jon Trenchard

2 hrs 30 mins including the interval

price category: A

Introduction 45 minutes before curtain-up

“All the world's a prison“ – at least that is how Edward Hall sees Venice in his trail-blazing production of “The Merchant of Venice“. A prison full of men, racism, violence and testosterone, where even the women are men, where the Duke himself mutates into the prison governor. A far-reaching and bold interpretation, but one which fits the play like a glove: the religious-racist tensions between Jews and Christians, the brutal financial interests involved, the cravings, the needs of Shylock, Antonio, Portia and Bassanio are sharply reflected in this world where money can buy anything and everything. Electrifyingly thrilling theatre bringing to life Shakespeare's original text.

German premiere in English
A summary of the play in German is available at the door.

www.propeller.org.uk