written by and starring Gareth Armstrong
directed by Frank Barrie.

presented by The Perry Street Theatre Company (Martin Platt & David Elliott), Rosalie Beer and Richard Jordan in association with Robert Friedman

at The Perry Street Theatre

The narrative of the Armstrong’s play is told through the eyes of Tubal, the only other Jewish character in all of Shakespeare’s works. He relives not only Shylock’s journey in the play The Merchant of Venice, but also the history of Jewish persecution throughout history — and through a brilliant historical look at the character of Shylock itself, how he was played through the ages.

Shylock was the inaugural production of the Perry Street Theatre Company. Once we had secured the theatre, and were debating which show to first produce, I recalled the play which Martin had brought over when he came to NYC for the APAP Festival (for more on this, please look at the section on Cold Productions).

Gareth is a Welshman, who has worked extensively in British regional theatre, the West End and as a member of The Royal Shakespeare Company. He was an amazing artist to work with on this.

Shylock received outstanding notices, including:

"Armstrong's performance invites empathy and awe . . . an actor of consummate craft." - Variety

"For anyone who loves Shakespeare, for anyone who loves history, for anyone who loves stirring and powerful theatre, get thee to Shylock. Fascinating, infuriating, and funny, this play grabs hold of your heart
and your mind and does not let go." - broadwayworld.com

“Viewers disappointed by the current film adaptation of The Merchant of Venice are hereby urged to get themselves to this stirring production, as is everyone else!” - The Village Voice

“Armstrong’s Shylock is a loving, truly exquisite production…Armstrong is a thoroughly mesmerizing performer whose work I will run, not walk, to see in the future!” - nytheatre.com