entertaining and challenging drama
Invitation-only rehearsed reading showcase for industry professionals
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 was a unique opportunity for theatre professionals to discover new acting and writing talent.
The performance (handheld script and blocking) at Summerhall, Edinburgh and lasted a little over two hours, including interval. The post-performance reception included complimentary refreshments. There was an opportunity to give us feedback face-to-face, in writing or online.
As a result of that feedback, a 50 minute version of A Pound of Flesh with a cast of five is scheduled for the Edinburgh Fringe in 2025.
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.