Drawing inspiration from Leopold von Sacher-Masoch’s 1870 novella Venus in Furs, Ives’ provocative and dark play is a comedic exploration of power dynamics, control, and sexuality. Thomas is a playwright searching for the perfect actress to portray Vanda in his stage adaptation of Venus in Furs. As the evening wears on, a mysterious and unconventional woman, ironically named Vanda, arrives for her audition. Not only is she late, she also appears far from the ideal candidate Thomas had in mind. As the audition unfolds, Vanda’s performance takes an unexpected turn, blurring the lines between the script and reality. Through their interactions, the boundaries between the characters and the actors collapse, forcing both Thomas and Vanda to confront the complexities of their desires and the darker sides of human nature.

The Story