Saying Goodbye To The Kojo Nnamdi Show
On this last episode, we look back on 23 years of joyous, difficult and always informative conversation.
Set in D.C. during the post-war Reconstruction period, Aaron Posner’s new play puts race front and center in a twist on Shakespeare’s most problematic play, “The Merchant of Venice.” Posner’s “District Merchants” playfully but powerfully forces audiences to confront the racism and anti-Semitism its black and Jewish characters face daily. We speak with the playwright, lead actor and composer about the contemporary themes in a play whose origins and setting span centuries.
Guests
- Christylez Bacon Progressive hip-hop artist
- Aaron Posner Director, "District Merchants"
- Matthew Boston Actor, "District Merchants"
"District Merchants" At Folger Theater
Matthew Boston plays Shylock in the Folger's new adaptation of Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice" - "District Merchants"
Dani Stoller and William Vaughan play the roles of Jessica and Lorenzo in the Folger's "District Merchants," which runs through July 3, 2016.
Shylock (Matthew Boston, right) and Antoine (Craig Wallace)
"District Merchants" is set in post-Civil War, Washington, D.C. Maren Bush (left) and Celeste Jones (right) play the roles of Portia and Nessa.
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