by Sharman Yarnell
I remember when I first saw Noises Off in London years ago. “Wow, something that an actor can relate to.” All the mistakes, all the nonsense and fun that goes on behind the scenes!
That is the feeling I had when I saw Venus in Fur at the Centaur – all the emotions, all the feelings of doing an audition flooded out! From the moment Carly Street erupts on the scene as Vanda Jordan, she has it bang on. And erupt she does! She captures an actor’s angst of living from audition to audition and throws it right out there.
Venus in Fur is a one act, two hander, written by David Ives, that takes place in New York. The basis of the play is an actress trying to convince a director, Thomas Novachek (Rick Miller), that she is perfect for a specific role in the play that he has written and is about to direct. The spine is something entirely different for the audience to figure out. Suffice to say, the play morphs into much more than the obvious.
When Vanda Jordan explodes onto the stage, everyone (including Thomas), immediately develops a preconceived idea of her abilities, not only to take on the role, but to act – period. Street is exceptional in the role taking the audience on a trip that reveals a character with so many different facets. The actress, seductress, the director- as time goes on the banter between the two proves she is much more than meets the eye.
Miller never quite reaches the ‘theatrical’ pitch that Street does. But, then again, Street’s Vanda is quite overpowering! (Street was the 2014 winner of Toronto Theatre Critics Award for Best Actress in a Play and 2014 Dora Award for Best Female Performance.)
Ives has thrown in a number of provocative issues that are relevant to our times – feminism, eroticism, sexual play. It is smart, serious and full of wonderful belly laughs to be appreciated by more than those in the acting business.
Direction by Jennifer Traver is tight and beautifully ‘choreographed’ with every bit of the stage put to use. That stage has a set designed by Debra Hanson that is simple and efficient – a large warehouse in New York, a desk, a pillar and a couch pretty well makes it up.
If you like a play of surprises, comedy and some pretty thought provoking moments, this hits the mark!
What a magnificent opening to Centaur’s season – BRAVO!
Venus in Fur is on to November 9 – do not miss it!
Box Office: 514- 288-3161
http://www.centaurtheatre.com/venusinfur.php
