Tracy-Ann Oberman, who is currently playing Shylock in the hugely successful West End production of The Merchant of Venice 1936, gave a powerful talk at Jewish Care’s Friends of Rosetrees Lunch in front of over 140 people, helping to raise funds for specialist equipment and music activities for residents at Jewish Care’s Rosetrees care home which is part of the Betty & Asher Loftus Centre in Friern Barnet.
Jewish Care’s Director of Fundraising & Marketing, Ellisa Estrin, introduced actress, playwright and narrator, Tracy-Ann and scriptwriter and author, Ivor Baddiel, who also spoke at the dinner.
Tracy-Ann Oberman is also well-known for roles including in BBC soap opera Eastenders and as Auntie Val in Channel 4’s, Friday Night Dinner. The Merchant of Venice 1936 at the Criterion transports the Shakespeare play to 1930’s Britian in London’s East End when tensions are rising and Oberman plays a resilient single mother and hard-working business woman. Speaking at the lunch, Tracy-Ann Oberman said, “The message of the play is we are better together, we are stronger together and we are prouder together. We are saying see us and understand us – many of us come from immigrant families with different stories, and we have to stand together.
“I’m proud to be here today because this journey has made me love who we are and be proud of who we are. When I look at this care home and Jewish Care, it is the embodiment of the kindness and love that we feel for each other and for our community.”
Rita Roth, Chair of Jewish Care’s Friends of Rosetrees Committee, has been volunteering for Jewish Care for over 30 years and received a Points of Light Award last year from The Prime Minister, the Rt Hon. Rishi Sunak. She gave a heart-warming welcome to guests.
“Thanks to your generosity, we have already bought six specialist beds which can be lowered to the floor. I have also previously mentioned how successful and rewarding our weekly music program has been with our residents who are living with dementia. The funds raised will also help to provide musicians for the group, which continues to be one of the most rewarding and emotional experiences of my time with Jewish Care. I want to make 2024 a year of joy and happiness for all the residents using music.”
Ellisa Estrin, Director of Fundraising & Marketing thanked guests for attending, saying, “I would like to thank Tracy-Ann Oberman for taking the time to attend this lunch and sharing fascinating stories with our guests, we appreciate her amazing support for Jewish Care.
“Our thanks also go to our generous guests for their support today and to our Committee, led by Rita Roth, for their hard work in making today a success. Rita’s dedication in raising funds and volunteering with the residents inspires us all and the funds raised will help to make a difference and enhance life for residents at Rosetrees care home.”