Hartford TheaterWorks
through November 11, 2012
by Jarice Hanson
First, thunder and lightning. Lights up on handsome
Thomas (David Christopher Wells), complaining the actresses he auditioned for
his new play were so bad that all he wants is "an actress who can pronounce the
word 'degredation' without a tutor." Thunder, lightening, and in comes
beautiful, baffled Vonda (Liv Rooth). Is it a coincidence she has the same name
as the character in the script, or is it fate? She seems to be the another
air-headed actress-wannabe, but she soon turns the tables and shows Thomas that
she embodies Vonda, and knows the script better than the author. Coincidence or
fate? Turn-abouts, twists in meaning, classical allusions, and contemporary
culture are all woven into patterns that are achingly funny, frightening,
truthful, and powerful "Venus in Fur."
David Ives' intelligent script allows these actors'
talent to shine. Ives' work lets the audience participate in constructing the
meaning of the play, and "Venus in Fur" may be his most complex
script to date. Director Rob Ruggiero wields his skill by combining lighting,
the impending storm, and the seething undercurrent of sexuality and seduction
that alternately motivate the dual-portrayals of Vonda and Thomas as actress
and author, contrasted with who
they become as they read the script together. Both Wells and Rooth are
captivating in their portrayals. The audience knows that they will be attracted
to each other, but surprises come as their lives begin to blend with the
characters in the script-within-the script. What is funny, turns tragic, and
what is tragic, turns into feminist resistance to male domination.
When this play appeared on Broadway, the general buzz was
it was hard to describe, but that the character of Vonda was one of the most
powerful roles written for a woman in years. There will be future academic
conferences dedicated to this show and to what it means, but for now, take a
deep breath, leave the kids at home, and experience theatre that might be a
little uncomfortable to watch, yet make viewers think, and at the same time
be delighted with the play's
intelligence and masterful performances.
