The smash Broadway hit, dubbed “90 minutes of good, kinky fun” by The New York Times, makes its Austin debut in a delicious new production.
All he needs is the perfect leading lady-a goddess of desire-to bring his vision to life. Thomas, a talented but demanding young writer, has meticulously adapted Leopold von Sacher-Masoch’s 19th century erotic novel, Venus in Fur, into a brilliant new play, but he can’t find the right woman for the role.
When Vanda, a scattered young actress, arrives several hours late to her audition, Thomas is unimpressed. However, Vanda soon wins over the unwitting director with her strange mastery of the material and her alarming insights into his deepest desires.
Suddenly the simple audition becomes a titillating game of cat and mouse. Who leads in the dance between fantasy and reality, love and lust, seduction and submission? Venus in Fur is a sharp, hysterical romp through the treacherous politics of sex and power.
Venus in Fur will be produced in Austin Playhouse's temporary theatre at Highland Mall. The South Entrance (by the Image clothing store) is closest to the theatre.
We do not recommend parking in the main lot off Airport Blvd. From the South entrance, proceed down the escalator and turn right. Austin Playhouse will be on your right by the water feature. Detailed directions are available on our website: http://austinplayhouse.com/season/tempfac.html
Venus in Fur stars Austin Playhouse Acting Company members Molly Karrasch as Vanda and Gray G. Haddock as Thomas. The play is directed by Lara Toner.
Venus in Fur is rated R and contains explicit language.
The teeter-tottering test of wills that takes place in Venus in Fur makes even the most fraught encounter between a domineering director and a sensitive performer seem like a play date in the sandbox. Actors may be pleased to hear that in this ninety minutes of good, kinky fun, the upper hand does not necessarily belong to the usual suspect.—NY Times.
Venus in Fur invites both carnal and cerebral excitement.—Village Voice.
