Within the history of Art, whether it be a painting, a play or a piece of music, there are many great examples of works of art considered controversial at the time of their creation. Only later do we discover they’re actually turning points in our human consciousness on a topic or theme being explored via that particular artists’ contribution.
Actors’ Theater Grand Rapids, founded in 1980, was born out of the needs in our community to showcase emerging works of art that often had difficulty finding a place on an area stage. Looking back at their programming, sometimes it is uncanny how they landed with impeccable timing within our culture.
Opening this weekend is Venus in Fur by David Ives, another insightful and lively production that seeks to explore female empowerment in this play within a play format.
In this play stage director Thomas, who is seeking to produce a staged adaptation of the 19th century novel Venus in Fur, has reached the final moments of his auditions. Having not found his lead actress, he is despondent when in walks Vanda, whose masterful read of the material casts a spell over Thomas (and the audience). Over the next 90 minutes, both will be enchanted by the shifting roles of these characters, who will assume many identities on the Spectrum stage.
“We have been blessed to have two wonderful actors, Ellie Frances and Kyle Los, who are not afraid to dive into these numerous roles, giving life to the fantasies of Thomas and Vanda,” says Grand Rapids Community College’s Spectrum Theater and Venus’ director Michelle Urbane. “[Within this play] we’re also giving weight to the powerful ideas of role-playing, male v. female, director v. actor -- all these wonderful power struggles that make us human, that make us dynamic.”
The theater is a fitting space to explore such raw topics as Venus in Fur presents with such aplomb. And while the topic might seem heavy, this is actually billed as a laugh-out-loud intellectual adventure that is sure to garner a rise out of those who see politics and sex as the place where the biggest power struggles emerge.
Given the state of affairs in our country, from politics to gender issues, Venus in Fur, in my opinion, arrives right on time.
Admission: $20 – 24 with $10 student rush tickets day of performance.
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