West End theatre increases security after Tracy-Ann Oberman death threats over Jewish role

Tracy-Ann Oberman has faced death threats over her character in an adaptation of The Merchant of Venice (Picture: PA)

Death threats against EastEnders and Doctor Who star Tracy-Ann Oberman have seen a London theatre increase its security.

The Friday Night Dinner star, 57, is currently starring as Jewish merchant Shylock in Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice at the Criterion Theatre.

The reworked story is now set in 1930s London as fascism sweeps across Europe, with the female version of Shylock presented.

As a Jewish person herself, Oberman has opened up on the antisemitic hate she has received for the role which has led to threats against her life.

‘My identity has never felt a huge part of my creative life, but in recent years, particularly in the arts world, which likes to see itself as progressive and inclusive,’ she said.

She continued to Sky News: ‘I think I’ve ended up becoming a spokesperson for many Jewish people and allies in the arts who have often felt like a lone voice, who have felt intimidated and often felt frightened to talk about their identity. And I don’t think that is right.’

Oberman stars as Shylock in the show (Picture: Marc Brenner)

London’s Criterion Theatre has upped its security amid threats Oberman has received (Picture: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Addressing the increased security measures in the London theatre, she said: ‘You know, we’re living in very febrile times… I don’t understand how we’re living in a time where a Jewish actress who is putting on a production of The Merchant Of Venice is needing to have all this security, it just feels extraordinary.’

‘The industry should take note because if it was happening to other minorities, I’d like to think that people would be horrified,’ she added.

In an emotional op-ed with The Spectator, Oberman described the situation as a ‘dystopian nightmare’ and expressed her devastation over a rise of antisemitism amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

‘We’re on a 10-week tour and I’ve been moved beyond words at the reactions of audiences and critics. Yet for the last week, the production has had to have security men around keeping an eye on things. It’s like a dystopian nightmare,’ she wrote in the October 21 edition.

She described the situation as a ‘dystopian nightmare’ (Picture: Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

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‘A Jewish actress putting on a play about antisemitism which needs to be made secure because of Jew-hating extremists. As one reviewer said: “Written in 1600, set in 1936, as relevant today in 2023.” Ain’t that the truth.’

She went on to say she ‘weeps for the innocent victims’ amid the ongoing conflict, and described how audiences have been affected by her performance in light of the devastating scenes coming from Israel and Gaza.

‘Ever since Hamas’ terror attack on Israel, with the pogrom-like brutality towards babies, women and girls, including rape and burning alive, I have felt broken,’ she wrote.

‘On stage, when I say the lines “When you prick us do we not bleed? When you tickle us, do we not laugh? When you poison us do we not die?,” I weep for all the innocent victims, and I know we must stand together against an evil that wants to rip us apart. And the audiences cry too.’

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