"Venus in Fur" Is Luminous

By Jonathan Jones
Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Yes, I know. I was late to the party. But I'm so glad I got here before the party ended. Venus in Fur is a triumph, not only for its star Nina Arianda, but also for playwright David Ives.

I have experienced broad over acting a number of times during the past week, so I was a bit put off from the time that Ms. Arianda took the stage as she seems to have succumed to this unfortunate bug. However, when she launched into the role of Vanda in the play-within-a-play, I knew that each note she struck was carefully calculated, necessary, and pushed the point that she was indeed more than she seemed. I was captivated, mesmerized, and admittedly on seat edge waiting for the reveal. Reversals abound and Hugh Dancy was no slouch, ever up to each successive ploy that Ms. Arianda engaged him in. I was truly amazed.

Venus in Fur is playing at the Lyceum Theatre, now through June 17th only. Tickets are available here.