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Venus in Fur: a provocative exploration of power and gender roles

I had a chance to see Venus in Fur at South Coast Repertory. SCR has been knocking it out of the park this year with edgy works that appeal to a younger audience (Reunion and Max and Trudy in Love were some of my favorites), and this was no exception. Written by David Ives, Venus in Fur is the tale of a playwright who is adapting a medieval novel of the same name. He conducts a fruitless audition in an attempt to find the perfect actress – a mix of sexy and smarts that he finds elusive. And just as he’s about to leave for the evening, in walks Vanda – late and soaking wet and seemingly ill-fitted for the role. Yet when they begin to read the play, sparks fly.

Graham Hamilton and Jaimi Paige in South Coast Repertory's 2014 production of VENUS IN FUR by David Ives.

Venus in Fur becomes a play within a play . . . a parallel process between director and actress and the characters they are embodying. The original text is an exploration of dominance and submission, and the actress and director push up against these very themes as they read and process and argue and collaborate. It soon becomes apparent that Vanda is more than she seems.

Graham Hamilton and Jaimi Paige in South Coast Repertory's 2014 production of VENUS IN FUR by David Ives.

Venus in Fur is smart, funny, and philosophical, and left me thinking for days about the themes of gender roles and submission. While it’s a provocative show, the sexiness is understated. There is no nudity or kissing, and yet it’s a passionate meta-analysis of the relationships between men, women, misogyny, and longing. It will make you laugh and make you think.

Venus in Fur runs October 5, 2014 - October 26, 2014 at South Coast Repertory Theater.

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