theatre review

Yasser

Guy Masterton-TTI in Association with With Studio Dubbelagent (NL)

If you don't know anything about The Merchant Of Venice or Palestine, I would probably give this show a miss. Then again, Yasser performs so compellingly that even if the name Shylock means nothing to you, this play is worth seeing. Yasser explores everything Palestinian whilst drawing parallels with Shakespeare's famous Jew, whom he is playing at a depressing theatre in Harrogate. He revisits his childhood, and expresses his frustration at the general ignorance and misunderstanding of Palestinian culture and history. His bitterness is palpable: "The Arab understands Shylock better than anyone", he declares, when speaking of the feeling of being an outsider. The action is interspersed with some excellent moments of Shakespeare, making this piece altogether gripping and thought-provoking.

Assembly @ George Street, 31 Jul - 25 Aug (not 11), 6.15pm (7.15pm), prices vary, fpp 242

tw rating: 4/5

published: Aug-2008

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