Venus in Fur

Felicity McKay and Adam Booth for Black Swan's 2015 production of Venus in Fur.A sexy and gripping exploration of domination and power as Black Swan presents David Ives’ part comedy, part thriller, Venus in Fur for a limited season from 15 January at Studio Underground.

Thomas Novachek is an aspiring playwright and perfectionist. He is attempting to adapt the masochistic 1870’s novel Venus in Furs for the stage, but hasn’t found anyone right for the part of Vanda. That is, until he meets the brash, audacious actress, ironically also named Vanda.

At first, Thomas doubts Vanda is the actress he’s looking for. He wants someone graceful and dignified; Vanda is provocative and salacious. However, as she begins to read through the opening scene, Thomas is enthralled by the abrasive sexuality Vanda brings to the role. It isn’t long before Vanda has convinced Thomas to act alongside her.

The two read through the play, occasionally interrupted by Thomas’ fiancé insisting he come home. As the two are drawn further and further into the drama, the line between reality and stage begins to blur, along with the distinction between actor and director.

As the climax of the play approaches, Vanda chastises Thomas for writing a play just to satisfy his perverse desire to be dominated and for objectifying the female characters. He insists this isn’t his intention, but Vanda is having none of it, insisting that they switch roles for the final scene, so that Thomas may experience the same pain as Vanda.

Based on the erotic novel Venus in Furs by Leopold Von Sacher-Masoch written in 1870, Ives’ sexually charged comedy  first premiered off Broadway at the Classic Stage Company in 2010 and then on Broadway in 2011. Lauded by Broadway audiences, Venus in Fur was nominated for two Tony Awards in 2012, including Best Play and Best Actress in a Play. It was the most produced play in the US in 2013 to 2014.

This quirky take on the intimate relationship between man and woman, is sure to ignite excitement. Can you respect those without power? Can you love those you cannot respect? Venus in Fur is a brilliantly written psychological strip tease that will keeping audiences enraptured until the thrilling conclusion.

Director & Costume Designer: Lawrie Cullen-Tait  Featuring: Adam Booth, Felicity McKay  Set Designer: Patrick Howe  Lighting Designer: Joe Lui  Sound Design/Composer: Brett Smith  Accent Coach: Julia Moody  Fight Director: Andy Fraser

Venus in Fur
Studio Underground – State Theatre Centre of WA, William Street, Perth
Season: 15 January – 8 February 2015
Bookings: 1300 795 012 or online at: www.ticketek.com.au

For more information, visit: www.bsstc.com.au for details.

Image: Felicity McKay and Adam Booth – photo by Daniel Grant Photography