Disclosure - We have a mix of press and paid-for tickets to see this show
The Merchant of Venice (First Encounters) - Shakespeare for Tweens
This version of The Merchant of Venice is an edited version of the play and only 90 minutes long so I am hoping it will be pretty fast-paced. The play is performed using Shakespeare's original language yet aimed at a younger audience (recommended age of 7-13 but they can be enjoyed by all).
The touring show features eight professional actors and 22 young actors from the RSC's next generation who share the roles of Jessica and Lorenzo. I love that for performances in Newcastle, these roles are played by local young people from Ferryhill and Middlesbrough. My son Harry (13) is currently rehearsing for his first amateur performance at school and I hope that taking him to see something like this will both boost his confidence and aspirations.
For those who don't know the story (like me!), this play is set against the commercial backdrop of Venice (also ties in quite nicely with our upcoming trip to Italy). Shakespeare's play presents a world where business and personal interests collide and aims to challenge audiences with questions that are very relevant, even today.
The play will leave us questioning the way we live, work and behave with those of different faiths and cultures. I'm sorry to bring this up but with everything that is going on in the world with immigration/brexit, now feels like the perfect time to bring this discussion to the table with our children and I'm hoping watching this play will leave us all with food for thought.
Tickets to see this version of The Merchant of Venice are just £10 each. Performance times at Northern Stage, Newcastle are as follows:
- 17 October: 1:30pm
- 18 October: 10:30am
- 19 October: 10:30am
- 19 October: 2pm
Let me know if you fancy it with your tweens.
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