Kicking off 2026, Dirt Dogs Theatre Co. (DDTCo.) presents\u00a0Venus in Fur\u00a0written by David Ives and directed by Malinda L. Beckham. Drawing inspiration from Leopold von Sacher-Masoch\u2019s 1870 Marchella\u00a0Venus in Furs, Ives\u2019 provocative and dark play is an exploration of power dynamics, control, and sexuality.<\/p>\n
ABOUT THE PLAY<\/p>\n
Thomas is a playwright searching for the perfect actress to portray Vanda in his stage adaptation of\u00a0Venus in Furs.\u00a0As the evening wears on, a mysterious and unconventional woman, ironically named Vanda, arrives for her audition. Not only is she late, she also appears far from the ideal candidate Thomas had in mind. As the audition unfolds, Vanda\u2019s performance takes an unexpected turn, blurring the lines between the script and reality. Through their interactions, the boundaries between the characters and the actors collapse, forcing both Thomas and Vanda to confront the complexities of their desires and the darker sides of human nature.<\/p>\n
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Dirt Dogs Theatre Co. “Venus in Fur” runs Feb. 27 through March 14. (Submitted photo)<\/p>\n
ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT<\/p>\n
David Ives\u00a0has been active in the American theatre for 50 years. His plays include\u00a0All in the Timing,\u00a0Time Flies,\u00a0Venus in Fur,\u00a0New Jerusalem: The Interrogation of Baruch de Spinoza, and four verse adaptations of French comedies, as well as radio plays available online at PlayingOnAir.org<\/a>. He collaborated with Stephen Sondheim on Sondheim\u2019s last musical,\u00a0Here We Are, which premiered off-Broadway at The Shed in September 2023.<\/p>\n ABOUT THE DIRECTOR<\/p>\n On staging this production, Artistic Director, Malinda L. Beckham says, \u201cThe story\u2019s exploration of dominance and submission, as well as its blurring of the lines between fantasy and reality, resonates deeply in today\u2019s conversations about consent and gender dynamics. The play\u2019s sharp wit, layered characters, and psychological intensity make it both thrilling and thought-provoking.\u201d<\/p>\n The cast of\u00a0Venus in Fur\u00a0includes\u00a0Olivia Knight\u00a0as Vanda and\u00a0Jay Sullivan\u00a0as Thomas. The creative team is comprised of\u00a0Mark A. Lewis\u00a0on scenic design and technical director, John Baker\u00a0for lighting design,\u00a0Trevor B. Cone\u00a0for sound design and production manager,\u00a0Malinda L. Beckham\u00a0for costume and properties design,\u00a0Barbara Alicea-Aponte\u00a0as production stage manager, and\u00a0Valerie Lerma Puente\u00a0as assistant stage manager.<\/p>\n WHEN<\/p>\n Feb. 27 \u2013 March 14, 2026<\/p>\n PERFORMANCES<\/p>\n Preview<\/p>\n Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026<\/p>\n Opening night<\/p>\n Friday, Feb. 27, 2026 (followed by a champagne reception)<\/p>\n Evenings<\/p>\n 8 p.m.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0| Fridays & Saturdays, Feb 27 & 28 and March 6, 7, 13 & 14<\/p>\n 7:30 p.m.\u00a0 | Thursdays, March 5 & 12<\/p>\n 7:30 p.m.\u00a0 | Monday, March 9<\/p>\n Matinees<\/p>\n 2 p.m.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0| Sundays, March 1 & 8<\/p>\n WHERE<\/p>\n MATCH \u2013 Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston<\/p>\n Matchbox 1, The Emily Todd Theater, 3400 Main St., Houston, TX 77002<\/p>\n BOX OFFICE<\/p>\n