F. Murray Abraham to Star in The Merchant of Venice in the U.K.

Oscar-winning actor F. Murray Abraham will make his debut at Stratford-upon-Avon. Abraham, who is perhaps best known as the star of the film Amadeus, will play Shylock in The Merchant of Venice in the New York-based Theatre for a New Audience TFANA production of the play, which is set to visit the Swan Theatre as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company's Complete Works Festival from March 22-31. Opening night is set for March 27.

The Merchant Of Venice is directed by Darko Tresnjak, who is the artistic director of San Diego's Old Globe Shakespeare Festival and comes to Stratford following an off-Broadway run at the Duke Theatre, where it played in rep with The Jew of Malta. Both plays offer images of Jews as outsiders in the predominantly Christian society of pre-20th-century Europe, and TFANA's productions marked the first time in America the plays have been performed in alternating repertory by a single company.

Abraham last appeared on the London stage in the title role of James Goldman's short-lived drama Tolstoy at the Aldwych Theatre in 1996. His Broadway credits include The Man in the Glass Booth in 1968, Angels in America in 1993 and the musical Triumph of Love in 1997.

TFANA previously brought their production of Cymbeline to Stratford's Other Place Theatre in 2001, at the suggestion of the RSC's Cicely Berry, the director of voice. In a statement, Berry said, “I am so delighted to welcome TFANA, the last of our visiting companies in our Complete Works Festival. I know they will bring it to a close in truly great style. The Company works in classical theatre, mainly Shakespeare and the Jacobeans, is always innovative and inspiring, making the plays relevant for today's world and their own particular culture. I hope they will have a very happy experience here in Stratford—I know we will all enjoy it.”

The 14-strong cast of The Merchant of Venice also includes Kenajuan Bentley Launcelot Gobbo, Arnie Burton Balthasar, Cameron Folmar Solanio, Kate Forbes Portia, Ezra Knight The Prince of Morocco, John Lavelle Gratiano, Nicole Lowrance Jessica, Vince Nappo Lorenzo, Tom Nelis Antonio, Saxon Palmer Bassanio, Matthew Schneck Salerio, Christen Simon Nerissa and Marc Vietor The Prince of Arragon/Tubal/The Duke of Venice.