‘There are no villains ... This is a chemical reaction. Two people meet and ignite each other. It's not making some general statement about men or women.'
'Sex, class, gender, pal.'
Playwright Thomas is in search of the perfect actress to embody the lead character in his adaptation of the classic tale Venus In Fur. Late one evening, Vanda Jordan arrives unannounced, and seemingly totally wrong for the part. She insists on a chance to audition.
As the meeting unfolds, the lines between the characters and their real-life counterparts begin to dissolve, revealing deep-seated desires and the complexities of gender roles. The play is a tantalizing exploration of domination, submission, and the nature of artistic creation itself.
Mandi Riggi directs this revival of David Ives’ modern classic, which was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play in 2012. Mandi has written and directed several plays, including MERCY at the Hollywood Fringe (recipient of the diversity scholarship) and LEVITICUS at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, following sold-out performances Off Broadway at 59E59.
Cast: Thomas - Flinn Andreae
Vanda - Jennifer Leong
Supported by Arts Council England, Riverside Studios and Tamasha Theatre
Tobi King Bakare and this theatre deserve a shout-out for such a young, diverse audience. There is so much talk about audiences being full of over 60s and why, why can’t theatres get the crowds in to reflect society in general? Well, I’m happy to say that on a rainy Thursday evening, the theatre was completely full.
Caiti Grove on Before I Go in CPT's Spring 2023 season London Theatre Reviews
