When it was published in 1870, Leopold von Sacher-Masoch's novel Venus in Furs was pretty scandalous, but it has remained an enduring part of popular culture in the years since. There have been a handful of film adaptations, a stage play, a Velvet Underground song, and the recently Tony-nominated play Venus in Fur, which is not an adaptation but a new work inspired by the novel.
Written by David Ives, Venus in Fur is a two-actor play about a young writer/director searching for the lead for his play based on the 19th-century erotic novel. When a young actress arrives hours late and unprepared for her audition, he's initially dismissive. But as he gets to know her, she becomes more mysterious and their relationship starts to parallel the themes of the novel.
The Austin Playhouse staging of Venus in Fur stars Molly Karrasch and Gray G. Haddock and is directed by Lara Toner.
Venus in Fur Thursday - Saturday at 8:00 pm, Sunday at 5:00 pm Through January 25 Austin Playhouse at Highland Mall, 6001 Airport Blvd
