District Merchants
by
Aaron Posner
Directed by Janis Stevens
Audition Dates: Sunday Sept. 13 2-5pm
Monday Sept 14 at 6:30-10pm
in Stage 2 (Room 550)
Callbacks Tuesday Sept 15
Rehearsals: September/October/November
Performances: Nov. 27 - Dec. 6, 2026
The Play is a "deconstruction" of Shakespeare's THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, set in post Civil War "Reconstruction" Washington, D.C. (1870s) Posner subtitles the play "An Uneasy Comedy" as it wrestles with the theatre of class, interracial and religious prejudice and politics, predatory lending, litigation, love and loss.
Audition Requirements:
It is strongly recommended that you read the play beforehand, if possible, and familiarize yourself with the story in advance. You will be asked to read from "sides" (short scenes from the play) assigned at the time of your audition.
The following descriptions are indicated by the script. Actors of all ethnicities and genders, age 18 and up, are encouraged by the director to audition for the show, for the experience, for the the opportunity, and more.
Roles: The cast requires 8 actors:
Antoine, a prosperous and shrewd Merchant (Black).
Shylock, a prosperous, long-suffering Jewish Merchant. (white-passing).
Jessica, Shylock’s passionate and sheltered daughter. (white-passing)
Benjamin Bassanio, an ambitious and charming man (light-skinned Black)
Portia, a witty, law-obsessed, privileged young woman. (white-passing)
Nessa, the honest, insightful servant and friend to Portia (Black).
Finneus, a bold, unscrupulous and big-hearted Irish rascal. (white-passing)
Lancelot, the funny, erudite, confused and hopeful servant to Shylock. (Black)
Scripts are available for 24 hour "loan" at FAA Division Office Front Desk.
For additional info: Email the director Janis Stevens
at StevenJ@arc.losrios.edu, and please put "DISTRICT QUESTION" in all caps in the subject line.
