Merchant of Venice- Said Rooftop Theatre

7 July – 1 September 2012

Saïd Rooftop Amphitheatre, Oxford

Performed in an amphitheatre perched above Oxford’s dreaming spires. Under balmy skies and starry nights, Creation Theatre’s open-air productions at Saïd are an essential part of any summer’s day in Oxford.

Set against the backdrop of 1930s Italy, director Natalie Abrahami (Regent’s Park, Headlong, Young Vic) places Shakespeare’s most controversial and human comedy in the multicultural port of Venice. Amid the hustle and bustle of the docks, cultures collide, money talks and debt is cheap… until it’s time to pay. This is the original Italian debt crisis!

A down-at-heel nobleman needs cash to fulfil his romantic ambitions.
His merchant friend takes out a loan to aid him in the pursuit of love.
When the loan defaults the abused Jewish moneylender demands gruesome repayment.
Only the actions of a brave and brilliant young woman can bring the situation back from the brink.

Performed by a troupe of nine actors and musicians the production contains live music and songs.

★ ★ ★ ★ ‘A cheeky, magical and moving adaptation’ Time Out (on Natalie Abrahami’s Pericles).

“The open air theatre… rises above the rooftops and spires of Oxford, and kisses heaven itself.” – Brian Blessed (on the Saïd Rooftop Amphitheatre)

Artistic team

Director – Natalie Abrahami
Composer and Musical Director – Alex Silverman
Designer – Oliver Townsend
Lighting Designer – Ashley Bale
Movement Director – Anna Morrissey
Assistant Director – Miriam Higgins
Assistant Movement Director – Daniela Forbes
Costume Supervisor – Emma Manning
Designer’s Assistant – Grace Irvine

http://www.creationtheatre.co.uk/