Venus in Fur | The X Collective
Venus in Fur is a thought-provoking and timely play that challenges the traditional power dynamics between actors and directors in the audition room. The X Collective’s performance of the piece, clearly directed by Wayne McPhee with a feminist lens, blew me away. The play features an exceptional cast and a script that had me on the edge of my seat the whole way through. I highly suggest booking tickets so you can attend this play during its limited run.
All images supplied by the X Collective.
The play begins with director/playwright, Thomas Novachek (Nick Sinclair), frustrated about what he believes to be a fruitless day of auditions. In walks Vanda Jordan (AJ), painfully (or fashionably) late for her audition. Initially dismissive of Vanda, who appears to be the opposite of what Thomas is looking for, he eventually reads with her and becomes completely enthralled by her performance. While Vanda takes Thomas on a wild ride, the dynamic of power between actor and director drastically shifts.
One of the most impressive aspects of the play was how the cast and crew managed to use minimal props, set, and space to create a sense of both grandeur and intimacy simultaneously. The simplistic lighting design effectively conveyed a naturalistic quality while also evoking themes of mystical goddess power. This, coupled with Vanda’s Mary Poppins-esque bag, which seemed to hold endless items for the actors to play with, made this show magical.
What truly made this play stand out was the performance of the actors, AJ and Nick Sinclair, who dynamically portrayed the two main characters. The performances were nothing short of exceptional, with both actors delivering nuanced portrayals of their characters. They both playfully and skilfully moved through the complex tonal and vocal shifts demanded of the piece.
All images supplied by the X Collective.
AJ’s performance explored the play's themes of desire and power with a ferocity and intensity that left the audience spellbound. She took charge of the stage and held the audience in the palm of her hand, drawing them deeper as she twisted initial perceptions of her character.
AJ and Sinclair had an intoxicating chemistry that was impossible to ignore, and it made for an unforgettable theatrical experience. Their performance was so captivating that I struggled to take my usual notes during the show. I was so engulfed in the story and the performances that I didn’t want to look away for a second.
Venus in Fur explores the complex relationships between artists and the unequal power structures that can exist in creative spaces. It does so, however, by subverting these conventions to expose the toxicity of such unequal workspaces. I highly recommend this play to anyone interested in exploring these issues in a thought-provoking and entertaining way.
Venus in Fur plays at the Latvian Community Hall in Woolloongabba until the May 6.
