Athens’ first English-speaking theatre, The Theatre Of The NO, proudly presents David Ives’ iconic play Venus in Fur, a Broadway Hit, based on Leopold von Sacher-Masoch’s novel. Directed by Racha Gabriel, this captivating production features a talented cast and explores themes of desire, power dynamics, and deception. The play is set to run until August 5.

Originally premiering off-Broadway in 2010 and later on Broadway in 2011, Venus in Fur garnered acclaim across America and Europe. The New York Times praised it as “seriously smart and very funny.”

The story unfolds in an audition room, where the ambitious playwright Thomas Novachek, adapting and directing Masoch’s play, is desperately searching for the right lead actress. Disappointed and anxious, fearing he won’t find an actress good enough for the leading role, he reluctantly agrees to see the late-arriving Vanda Jordan.

@Nikos Pagonakis

An enigmatic actress, Vanda, with her charismatic presence, draws Thomas into a dangerous game of power and sexual submission, raising questions about her true identity and the reasons for her visit to the arrogant director. “Venus in Fur” turns into a play within a play, and the audience is caught between what is ‘real’ and what is ‘acted.’ Lines are blurred as actress and director become the characters of the play, creating a mesmerizing and thought-provoking experience.

With its thought-provoking narrative and intense psychological drama, Venus in Fur invites audiences on a daring journey into the complexities of sexual power dynamics. Is submission pleasurable? This question lingers as the characters navigate roles of perpetrator and victim, challenging societal norms.

Performances, held in English, run until August 5th, Friday to Monday at 20:00. Tickets are priced at €15 and can be purchased here.

Production Details:

  • Text: David Ives
  • Director: Racha Gabriel
  • Cast: Amaryllis Asimakopoulou, Dirk Sikorski
  • Dialogue/Acting Coach: David Rawstron
  • Lighting: Fernanda Balcells
  • Sets and Costumes: Dimitris Mellos
  • Photography and Video: Nikos Pagonakis
  • Communication and Public Relations: Eleftheria Sakareli
  • Production: FAIL BETTER PRODUCTIONS

THEATRE OF THE NO, opened its doors on April 18, 2024, with Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting For Godot,” is dedicated to embracing diversity and creativity as it welcomes new writers and creators from Greece and around the world to share their voices on stage. The theater’s program includes a wide range of genres and styles, from thought-provoking dramas to avant-garde experiments, encompassing Modernist, Absurdist, and Experimental Theatre, as well as Music, Poetry, and Performance Art.

For more information on upcoming performances and events, visit the theatre’s website.