“The Merchant of Venice” is so current it is almost scary. Shakespeare painted a picture of religious hatred that spans the centuries to remind us of the bitter enmity of the Mid-East factions.
The production of the Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is rather raw and raucous but the portrayal of Shylock and his tormenters strikes a chord. Shylock could be any minority member surrounded by people who despise him, not for his character, but for his beliefs.
Alan Blumenthal plays Shylock and is able to deliver the anger and frustrations of the outsider. The Christians spit on him and hurl stones as well as insults. Is it any wonder that he seeks revenge by demanding his pound of flesh?
Rather uneven acting by others in the cast undermine the main thrust of the play.
The suitors who come for the hand of Portia are broadly played. However, Portia, in the hands of the reliable Melora Marshall, is vehement and believable. Antonio, whose prospects for a long life are not too bright after his ships are lost at sea, is played with simple dignity by a young Justin Doran.
Others who do well are Steve Matt as a boisterous Duke, Edward Barton as a groveling Launcelot and Aaron Glickman as a delightfully outspoken Gratiano.
The pacing, by director Ellen Geer, is excellent as one scene segues into another. Under her guidance, there are no heroes and villains, just erring humans. Despite the rusticity of the setting and the rather improvised costumes, the drama is intense. Some of the poetry may be missing, but the heart is there.