Belfry heats up Victoria with David Ives’ ​ Tony-nominated play, Venus in Fur.

Victoria, British Columbia...From November 11 – December 14, 2014, the Belfry Theatre will present David Ives’ Tony-nominated play, Venus in Fur. Directed by Michael Shamata, Venus in Fur stars Vincent Gale as Thomas and Celine Stubel as Vanda.

Before Fifty Shades of Grey, there was Leopold von Sacher-Masoch’s classic erotic novel, Venus in Furs, the book that inspired the term masochism.

In this Tony Award nominated play-within-a-play, the tables are turned as a young actress, Vanda, tangles with Thomas, a director increasingly intrigued by her. Funny and stimulating, this play weaves sex and power into an exhilarating game of cat and mouse. Is Vanda willing to do anything for a part? Or is she Thomas’s nemesis?

David Ives was named one of the "100 Smartest New Yorkers" by New York Magazine. A frequent contributor to The New Yorker and the New York Times Magazine, he has also written a children’s book, a number of novels and more than 10 plays and musicals.Venus in Fur was the most produced play in the US last season. He is currently at work on a new musical with Stephen Sondheim.

The creative team for Venus in Fur includes Christina Poddubiuk (Set & Costume Designer), Ereca Hassell (Lighting Designer), Tobin Stokes (Sound Designer/Composer), Jennifer Swan (Stage Manager) and Sandra Drag (Apprentice Stage Manager).

Engaging Audiences

Prior to and throughout the run of Venus in Fur, the Belfry is producing a number of audience engagement events designed to enhance and extend the experience of the play.

B4Play - Saturday, November 8 at 11 am

CBC Radio’s Gregor Craigie will host a live talk show featuring director Michael Shamata, actress Celine Stubel and some very special guests from the community. This free event is held at the Belfry Theatre.

AFTERPLAY WEEKS
November 18 - 22 / December 2 - 6

Following selected performances of Venus in Fur, we’ll host Afterplay – a facilitated discussion where patrons can share their thoughts with fellow audience members. It’s a chance to “debrief” after the show and hear how other audience members experienced the play.

TALKBACK THURSDAY
Thursday, November 20

Following the 8 pm performance of Venus in Fur, join the actors from the show and your fellow audience members for a 20-minute Q & A session.

FREE CHILDCARE PERFORMANCE
Sunday, November 23 at 2 pm

During select Sunday matinee performances, we offer free professional childcare (ages 3 – 10) at the Springridge Early Childhood Centre at 1222 Gladstone Avenue, just a block from the Belfry (free parking is available right across the street in the Victoria High School Parking lot).

We have a limited number of spots available. To book tickets and free childcare, please call our Box Office at 250-385-6815.

Ticket Information and Performance Schedule

Tuesdays – Saturdays at 8 pm
Wednesday Matinees (November 19 & 26) at 1 pm
Saturday Matinees at 4 pm
Sunday Matinees at 2 pm

Single tickets can be booked by calling 250-385-6815, or online at www.belfry.bc.ca. Student discounts and rush seating are available.

Audience Advice – Venus in Fur contains some strong language and mature subject matter.

Special Thanks
Venus in Fur is generously sponsored by CIBC Wood Gundy – Blue Heron Advisory Group, The Fairmont Empress, 103.1 JACK FM and 98.5 The Ocean.

The Belfry’s Season Sponsors are Thrifty Foods, the Times Colonist, and Cook’s Day Off Fine Foods and Catering. The Canada Council for the Arts, the Province of British Columbia, the BC Arts Council, CRD Arts and the City of Victoria are our government funders.

-30-

For interviews, photos and HD video for the show please contact:
Mark Dusseault / Marketing & Communications Director
250-385-6835 / [email protected]