Thomas Novachek, a director/playwright, has suffered through a long
day of abysmal auditions for his adaptation of the German
sadomasochistic novel Venus in Furs, until Vanda, a crass and pushy
actress, stumbles into his audition room. While Vanda shares the lead
character’s name, she lacks her sophistication. However, when Thomas
agrees to let Vanda read for the role, she displays a surprising
understanding of the material. Working through the script with Thomas
playing the masochistic male lead, the roleplay becomes intense,
erotic, and less like acting. David Ives’ mesmerizing play explores
themes of submission, domination, and power with a fast-paced, mutable
language he is known for. Reality and pretend become blurred lines in
Venus in Fur, and the question of “who’s on top” always has a
different answer.
culture
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25/08/2019 Last update