Idaho Repertory Theatre presents ‘Venus in Fur’ beginning July 9

MOSCOW, Idaho — University of Idaho’s Idaho Repertory Theatre presents “Venus in Fur,” a mysterious, funny and erotic drama by David Ives.

There will be 10 shows starting with a preview night at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 9. All shows are at the Forge Theater, 404 Sweet Ave., Moscow. Due to mature themes, this production is intended for adult audiences only.

Additional show dates and times include:

• 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 10
• 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 11
• 2 p.m. Sunday, July 12
• 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 17
• 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 18
• 2 p.m. Sunday, July 19
• 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 24
• 7:30 p.m. Saturday, July 25
• 2 p.m. Sunday, July 26

Thomas, a beleaguered playwright and director, is desperate to find an actress to play Vanda, the female lead in his adaptation of the classic sadomasochistic tale “Venus in Fur.” Into his empty audition room walks a vulgar and equally desperate actress who’s, oddly enough, named Vanda.  

Though utterly wrong for the sophisticated part, Vanda exhibits a strange command of the material, piquing Thomas’ interest with her seductive talents and secretive manner. As the two work through the script, they blur the line between play and reality, entering into an increasingly serious game of submission and domination that only one of them can win.  

Craig A. Miller, director of “Venus in Fur” and associate professor of theatre at U of I, said the show gives audiences a unique behind-the-scenes look at the audition process.

“What is fun for the audience is that it is soon clear that anything — the good, the bad, the ridiculous, the audacious — is bound to happen,” Miller said. “Vanda pulls Thomas into the action of the play-within-the-play and slowly but surely begins controlling the power dynamic in the room, from changing the lighting and revising the script to deciding which costumes get worn — and when costumes get taken off.”

Zoe Kelly, a Boise-based actor who plays Vanda, said her character’s refreshing audacity makes her special to portray.

“There is something dangerous and thrilling about a woman who refuses to play by the rules the rest of us obey,” Kelly said. “‘Venus in Fur’ is a piece that invites the audience to ponder and discuss afterward. When I saw it for the first time, my husband and I argued about the play’s meaning and how it speaks to modern gender politics and power dynamics. For the record, my husband was wrong and I was right.”

Cory Williamson, who plays Thomas, said the two characters are drawn in by each other’s mysteries — and audiences may be, too.

“Vanda is endlessly surprising, and this excites Thomas,” Williamson said. “Audiences should be excited to see the mystery unraveling throughout the play. Who are these two people, truly?”

At its core, the play explores themes of power and sexual politics by showing audiences the different ways people express masculinity and femininity, Miller said.

“It is crucial that the audience recognizes the gender and sexual power dynamics that are perpetually played out — and so often abused — by those who historically hold power,” Miller said. “When they do, it will be a deliciously sweet victory when they get to experience a triumphant tumbling of those in power into splendid submission. Most importantly, I hope they leave with tender ribs from the laughter and sheer delight this both haughty and naughty play brings to its message.”

Tickets are free for U of I students and $6 to $26 for the public at uitickets.com.

For information about other upcoming events from the Department of Theatre Arts, visit go.uidaho.edu/theatre-productions.

Media contact

Danae Lenz
External Communications Coordinator
University of Idaho
208-885-1605
dlenz@uidaho.edu