Kicking off their 2012 spring season, The Rose Theatre Bankside – a performance space set amongst the archaeological dig of the first ever theatre on the Southbank – opens with William Shakespeare’s dark comedy, The Merchant of Venice.
The remains of the theatre were uncovered in 1988 to the world’s amazement, unearthing crucial artifacts which added not only a more complete picture of Elizabethan performance, but shed light onto the fabled theatre where Shakespeare’s earlier works were premiered. However, with funding and bureaucracy against them, a full restoration could not be realised at the time, and the remains of The Rose sit beneath a preserving quagmire until efforts can be continued.
As well as being open every Saturday to the public for viewing and donations, the theatre put on performances in order to raise money for their ever patient restoration plans. 2012 is an important year as they complete their funding to reopen the dig, in order to preserve the remains and build a purpose built visitor centre and performance space at the site.
Their productions are far from chintzy charity pomp, and their shows are no stranger to receiving the same level of critical acclaim as their counterpart and friendly rivals, Shakespeare’s Globe, down the road. Indeed, we were more than impressed with Owle Schreame’s surprisingly severe yet masterful dissection of Measure for Measure last year, using only the small viewing deck and the dig site beyond.
Vox Humana brings a modern dress production of Shakespeare’s masterpiece of scheming moneylenders, anti-Semitism, and a pound of flesh. Set in the present turmoil of economic instability, mercy is put to the test as love and dedication are caught up amongst fiscal fiendishness and deep-seated hatred.
Not only is it a worthy cause for any Shakespeare enthusiast, this is set to be yet another ravishing feast for fans of the Bard’s works in a space that breathes history and breeds innovation.
The Merchant of Venice will play at The Rose Theatre Bankside, London, SE1 9AS, from 1 – 26 February 2012. Tickets are £12 (concessions available). To book call 020 7261 9565 or visit www.rosetheatre.org.uk.
Featured image: The remains of The Rose Theatre as it stands today. Photograph: Courtesy of The Rose Theatre Trust.
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