Moving look at real-life drama

PALESTINIAN actor Yasser Mansour prepares in his dressing room to play Shakespeare's classic Jew, Shylock. From a country that doesn't exist and saddled with a name and appearance eerily close to his namesake, Yasser's dialogue is a plea for understanding in a world where being born Palestinian is a political act.

This is a fascinating script that questions the relationship between East and West. Yasser begs for acceptance from his empty-headed Portia, a striking emblem of western dismissiveness. At the same time, he explains why playing a Jew is a gesture of defeat but also defiance.

William el-Gardi is a captivating Yasser, on his knees in awe at the culture he abhors but at the same time, full of rage at the west's lack of understanding. A hugely talented actor, he manages to be both a convincingly domineering Arafat and an engagingly self-deprecating boy made good.

Sensitive direction helps the audience along.

Until August 25