Canadian Stage Remounts VENUS IN FUR Next Month

This winter, Canadian Stage remounts the phenomenally popular Venus in Fur for a third and final run. Providing an alternative to traditional holiday theatre offerings, 'the other nutcracker' is back for 13 shows only Dec. 18 to 28 at the intimate Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley St.). Rick Miller and Carly Street reprise their roles in this Dora Award-nominated production, with direction by Jennifer Tarver. Venus in Fur returns to Toronto fresh off another successful run at Montreal's Centaur Theatre Company, where it was hailed as "a rare perfect storm of brilliant script, inspired direction and powerful acting" (Montreal Gazette).

"When we presented Venus in Fur as part of our 2013.2014 season, we were delighted that audiences connected so deeply with the production," said Matthew Jocelyn, artistic and general director, Canadian Stage. "This success is due in no small part to the spectacular performances and on stage chemistry between Carly and Rick. Under Jennifer Tarver's meticulous direction they heat up the stage again and again - we just can't get enough."

Venus in Fur, written by David Ives, tells the story of Vanda (Street) a young actress who is determined to land the lead in a new play based on the classic erotic novel, Venus in Furs. During her audition, she gets caught up in a provocative game of cat and mouse with the director (Miller), which blurs the line between fantasy and reality and tests the boundaries of dominance and submission.

Canadian Stage's production had critics and audiences talking in 2013, after performances in the fall at the Bluma Appel Theatre and an exclusive, sold-out holiday remount at the Berkeley Street Theatre that December. Venus in Fur was also a favourite at the Dora Mavor Moore Awards, garnering three nominations in the general theatre division, with Street taking home the Outstanding Female Performance Award for her portrayal of Vanda (an honour also given to her by the Toronto Theatre Critics Association).

To fit into hectic holiday schedules, Canadian Stage is again implementing an early curtain time, with the 90-minute show on stage at 7 p.m. with 1 p.m. matinees, giving audiences an opportunity to catch a show before seasonal parties or dinner with family, friends and colleagues. Venus in Fur tickets, from $30 to $59, make the perfect stocking stuffer or holiday gift, and are available online, by phone at 416.368.3110 or in person at the box office. For details visit canadianstage.com.

Photo by David Hou