Venus in Fur, by David Ives | Adelaide Fringe 2022 review

Bridget Gao-Hollitt and Wil King could go off-grid generating this much electricity in a clever, demanding exploration of power.

Bridget Gao-Hollitt and Wil King in Venus in Fur. Picture: Supplied

Venus in Fur, by David Ives

Theatre

Rating ****1/2

The Arch at Holden Street Theatres

Until March 20

Two of Australia’s brightest acting talents battle for supremacy in this flirtatious, feisty presentation of David Ives’ Tony award-winning play.

Bridget Gao-Hollitt – currently appearing in the US TV series Super Pumped alongside Uma Thurman – sizzles as Vanda, a brassy actress auditioning with Tom, played by Wil King (from last year’s hit DIRT), who is compelling as a demanding playwright and director.

Sparks fly as they read through Tom’s script, inspired by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch’s 19th century erotic novel Venus In Fur, involving the master/slave dynamic of dominance and subservience.

Tom and Vanda’s out-of-character interactions explore the boss/employee power relationship – but it’s never apparent who is totally in control as the ascendancy is won, lost and regained.

This acting duo could go off-grid generating this much electricity and the production really doesn’t need the irritating Hammer House of Horrors thunder and lightning effects in the script.

In places there is a little too much energy and the complex dialogue is lost, but overall this show is a treat. A clever, intelligent, demanding play performed by two exciting young artists clearly enjoying themselves and keen to ensure that you do too. Don’t miss out.