The Shylock Play

(Paperback)

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

When Warsaw Ghetto-escapee Sarah visits the Venice Ghetto she happens to witness a group of actors staging a dress rehearsal of The Merchant of Venice, upon this chance encounter Sarah is confronted by the terrible story of 'The Jew' which touches her own life. Through this emotive and provocative play Julia Pascal re-works Shakespeares controversial text, transposing the fervent theme of anti-Semitism raised by the bard, playing it out in a contemporary setting.Challenging the portrayal of 'The Jew' that for many years has dominated society's attitudes towards the Jewish people, Pascal ambitiously places her own text within Shakespeare's classic, producing a thoroughly thought-provoking and original work.

Author Bio

Julia Pascal was born in Manchester. She trained as an actor before going to London University and from 1977 she has worked as theatre director. She was the first female director to wqrk at the NT, and has since been Associate Director at the Orange Tree Theatre. She began writing for the stage in the mid-1980's and was previously Dance editor for City Limits Magazine, a freelancer for the Guardian, and Director of Pascal Theatre Company (formed in 1983) . She has worked as an Assessor & drama advisor for London Arts & the Arts Council.