On Theater: Able adaptation of the Bard’s ‘Merchant’ at South Coast Repertory

Shakespeare and American history are two entities rarely if ever mentioned in the same sentence. Yet they coalesce quite handily in “District Merchants,” the fanciful new production now on stage at South Coast Repertory.

This unlikely concept springs from the fertile mind of playwright Aaron Posner, who lifts the Bard’s “The Merchant of Venice” and plops it down in the middle of Washington, D.C., in the 1870s as the nation slowly recovered from the Civil War. And, yes, the lines “Hath not a Jew eyes?” and “The quality of mercy is not strained” remain intact.

Posner’s central theme concerns the treatment of two all-but-disenfranchised entities of the time – African Americans and Jews. Shylock’s “pound of flesh” demands are leveled against a black, free-born businessman seeking to help a friend up society’s ladder.

As enthusiastically directed by Michael Michetti, “District Merchants” unfolds on what, in set designer Daniel Conway’s vision, resembles the ruins of the Acropolis, a multi-columned structure serving a myriad of purposes. A strong cast is demanded here at the risk of being dwarfed by the surroundings.

Posner’s most chilling dialogue is reserved for Shylock, bitterly portrayed by Matthew Boston in a bravura performance, as he zeroes in on merchant Antoine DuPre (Antonio), rendered thoughtfully by Montae Russell. The pair also serve as genial co-hosts, introducing each act to the audience.

Beyond the elders’ bickering, however, are a trio of romantic subplots which tend to lighten the circumstances. Even the comic relief servant is given a chance to attain an affair of the heart.

Shakespeare’s Portia is re-created as a young lady lawyer when such entities were verboten and Helen Sage Howard Simpson dons reverse drag to “pass” for a man. Her love interest is doing his own passing — Chris Butler strongly enacts a mixed-race fellow anxious to succeed in the white world. Simpson’s prolonged pauses in her dialogue are among the longest you’ll ever encounter on stage.

Meanwhile, Shylock’s timid, overprotected daughter (Rachel Esther Tate) is discovering the outside world with Irish immigrant Matthew Grondin, who’s thrown for a loop by his lady love’s strange religious traditions. This pairing is the most relatable of the three as both actors delve realistically into their characters.

The aforementioned servant, who serves as a conduit to the playgoers, is a former slave named Lancelot, energetically interpreted by Akeem Davis, who covets Portia’s comely maid (Kristy Johnson). The proverbial fourth wall comes tumbling down in their dialogue, which on one occasion involves physical contact with the audience.

Garry Lennon’s period costumes work splendidly, while Elizabeth Harper’s intricate lighting designs and Peter Bayne’s original sound effects enhance the production.

“District Merchants” may prove to be an acquired taste, but acquisition is bolstered by a staunch, quite competent cast in this historical dramatic comedy on the stage of South Coast Repertory.

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IF YOU GO

What: “District Merchants”

When: 7:45 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 7:45 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 23

Where: South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

Cost: Tickets start at $22

Information:

(714) 708-5555 or scr.org