Vincent Gale and Lindsey Angell in Venus in Fur

Vanda, a young actress (Lindsey Angell), wants to land the lead in the new play Venus in Fur. During her sexually charged audition for Thomas (Vincent Gale), the play’s demanding writer-director, the role-playing turns into an erotically charged game, shifting the power dynamics and blurring the line between fantasy and reality. Quick-witted and seductive, this acclaimed comedy was the hit of last year’s Broadway season.

“Many of us spend a lot of time thinking about sex. Safe to say, this play is not going to detract from that. And, most likely, it’ll make you laugh as well,” said David Mackay, Venus in Fur’s director.

“However, audiences might also think about gender, power, and desire. David Ives’s play provides an insightful exploration of the history of sexuality, of traditional power struggles, of the hierarchies at the core of modern theatre, and of taboo desires—asking ultimately how much of our lives may actually be ‘a little S&M’?”
 
David Ives’ play is based on Leopold von Sacher-Masoch’s 1870 novel Venus in Furs, decried as absolutely scandalous during its time. The sexual adventures of the book’s protagonists form the basis of what has since been branded “masochism” — taken from the author’s last name. The stage adaptation goes farther than turning the novel into a play. Ives has modernized the setting and crafted a play-within-a-play scenario. In 2011—2012, Venus in Fur was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play and won newcomer Nina Arianda the Tony Award for Best Actress.
 
Venus in Fur stars Lindsey Angell and Vincent Gale and is directed by David Mackay.

Venus in Fur

Dates: October 3 to November 2; Mondays and Tuesdays, 7:30 pm; Wednesday through Saturday, 8 pm; Wednesday and Saturday matinees, 2 pm
Venue: Granville Island Stage, 1585 Johnston Street, Vancouver
Tickets: $29 to $49, including tax and fees; available online or via phoning 604.687.1644

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