I was once told by someone that relationships are built on equality: a perfect distribution of power. I think that maybe this person has never been in an, um, unhealthy (read: typical) relationship. For those of us who have experienced a less-than-perfect relationship (roughly 90 percent of us), distribution of power is more of a dance you have yet to learn than an established constant. If you are one of the lucky couples who are comfortable with their perfectly shared power dynamic, might I suggest marriage? Domestic partnership? A blood bond ritual? Whatever it is that people who take vitamins and perform daily cardio do.
So, while Valentine’s Day is typically reserved as a “Hallmark” celebration of great relationships, this holiday also is a good opportunity to reflect on what doesn’t quite work. Luckily, The Village Players Theatre will help, referencing the novella and legendary Velvet Underground song, in the singular: enter Venus in Fur.
Directed by Jennifer Rockwood, the David Ives’ play will take stage for a special, The Village After Dark one-weekend performance. John DuVall and Christine D’Amato will star, and Rockwood promises they have great chemistry on stage.
“It is sexy and fun,” said Rockwood. Not only does the play relate to relationships, but it also “reflects what it is like to be an actor… to take rejection and humiliation and come back for more the next day,” she adds. Clever and funny, the 2010 play had a popular run on Broadway and now The Village After Dark brings this risque play to light in Toledo.
“We have more room for risks in The Village After Dark,” said Rockwood, “We get a more edgy and selective reading . . . Venus in Fur is intense, but playful . . . It is a dance of power. Someone called it a ‘revenge comedy’ and it is, indeed, an actor’s revenge.”
Tickets are only available the day of the show. And while, according to Rockwood, this is certainly going to be “pretty hot and spicy,” leave the toys at home.
18+. $10/day-of-show at Box Office. 8pm Friday, February 6 and Saturday, February 7. The Village Players Theatre, 2740 Upton Ave. 419-472-6917.