Playing Shylock
Jan 18, 2026 - Feb 08, 2026
| Sylvan Adams Theatre
A Segal Centre presentation of a Starvox Entertainment production
By Mark Leiren-Young
Starring Saul Rubinek
Some roles are bigger than the stage.
Canadian screen legend Saul Rubinek (Unforgiven, Frasier, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel) returns to the stage with Playing Shylock—a fierce, funny, and deeply human new work that explores the fault lines between art, identity, and accountability.
When a production of The Merchant of Venice is cancelled mid-performance following public outcry, the actor playing Shylock refuses to exit quietly. Instead, he steps forward, breaking character to deliver a bold, impassioned monologue that blends razor-sharp humour with urgent questions about culture, history, and who gets to tell the story.
With wit and gravitas honed over four decades in film, television, and theatre, Rubinek commands the stage in a tour-de-force performance that’s as timely as it is timeless.
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LISA'S NOTE
"Saul Rubinek is a master of the stage—one of the finest actors I’ve ever seen. And when he delivers the famous monologue, time stops, breath catches, and you’ll feel the weight of every word."
PLAYING SHYLOCK: From the star of Frasier and Unforgiven!
Photo Credits: Dahlia Katz
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AUDIENCE ADVISORY
The Segal Centre acknowledges that some content may be difficult for some people. We want to provide audiences with the information to care for their well-being and decide what is appropriate for their children. Should you be unsure based on the advisory, please contact us and we will be happy to help you with your decision.
Age-based restrictions are recommendations only.
Please note that babes in arms or children under the age of two (2) are not permitted in the theatre unless expressed permission is given by the theatre.
For more information about the show and potential trigger elements, please refer to our STUDY GUIDE.
- May contain racial slurs or offensive references.
- Antisemitism and racial prejudice are portrayed for dramatic purposes and do not reflect the views of the Segal Centre.
- Tensions between Christians and Jews are central to the storyline, and certain lines or scenes may be upsetting to those sensitive to these topics.
- Contains references to psychological and verbal abuse.