entertaining and challenging drama
Invitation-only rehearsed reading showcase for industry professionals (agents, directors, producers)
Edinburgh 10 April 2024
“Each author from a previous takes a theme and to the next bequeaths a mewling babe
with pray’rs its cries fall not on ears unheard. Now hear our story stripped of comedy.
A new path taken, tragedy appears. Plot borrowed from another play in steals,
o’ertakes our heroes and with sad death marks the consequence of greed.”
In Shakespeare’s play Antonio’s life is threatened when Shylock the moneylender demands the pound of flesh due to him. Only the last-minute intervention by Portia, disguised as a young man, saves the merchant when she points out that the contract with Shylock does not allow any blood to be spilt. But what would happen if Portia were prevented by plague from travelling to Venice?
Martin Foreman’s adaptation strips the comedy from this classic drama to present a tragedy that focuses on Antonio, his young protegé Bassanio and the anti-semitism that underlies the story.
Audience
This is a unique opportunity for theatre professionals (agents, directors, producers) from Scotland and across the UK to discover new acting and writing talent.
The performance (handheld script and blocking) begins at 7pm, 10 April at Summerhall, Edinburgh, and will last a little over two hours, including interval. The post-performance reception will include complimentary refreshments. We hope you will give us feedback face-to-face, in writing or online.
Tickets are free and by invitation only. The script is available for those unable to attend. We are contacting professionals directly but if you are not on our list, do contact us.
Further information: info@arberytheatre.uk
Behind the scenes
Playwright and director Martin Foreman has created successful adaptations of Volpone and The Satyricon as well as winning the London Solo Festival New Writing and Pitlochry Festival Theatre Short Play awards.
Producer Hannah Bradley Croall specialises in the arts and entertainment, hospitality and tourism industries.
Sound designer Dug Campbell works across theatre, film and tv.
Lighting designer Freya Game is a student at the University of Edinburgh.