Venus

Production Description: Summary from DPS: "In 1810, The Venus Hottentot (as she is dubbed)—a young black woman with an enormous posterior—is lured away from her menial job in South Africa to tour the world and make lots of money. Once in England, however, she is sold to a freak show and becomes a star. She shows off her attribute, bringing in crowds and raking in money for the side show owners. Quickly becoming adept at displaying herself and understanding what the people want from her as a freak, she even tries to break out on her own, but can’t quite master that in those social times. Eventually, she is procured by a white doctor who is more than fascinated with her. He falls in love with her and keeps her as his mistress until he is in danger of losing his medical reputation and social standing. Venus, who journeyed to Europe with high hopes, at the end of her short life, was dissected by the man she loved."

Directed by:  Dr. Amy-Rose Forbes-Erickson

Content:

The play contains scenes of sexual intimacy, sexual abuse, racism, colonialism, abolition of slavery, illegal slave trade, a sustained focus on genitalia, breasts, buttocks, vulgarity, crude language, violence, and gross exploitation. The company will use best practices in directing and staging scenes based on historical references.

 Cast:

Miss Sartje Baartman, A.K.A. the Girl, Later the Venus Hottentot: Annase Raji

The Man, Later the Baron Docteur: Braden Evans

The Brother, Later the Mother-Showman, Later the Grade School Chum: James Wang

The Negro Resurrectionist: Dannie Ellis

The Chorus:    

 Molly Moreland 

Owen Minchau

Kris Weeks

Laci Haller

Frankie Gross

Marian Petrie

Braden Evans

Gabrielle Guyton

The Chorus of the 8 Human Wonders:

Wonder #1 (Bearded Gal): Molly Moreland

Wonder #2 (Fireman who dines on a flame): Owen Minchau

Wonder #3 (Spotted Boy):  Kris Weeks

Wonder #4 (Fat Man): Laci Haller

Wonder #5 (Conjoined Twins): Frankie Gross

Wonder #6 (Conjoined Twins): Marian Petrie

Wonder #7 (Mr. Privates): Braden Evans

Wonder #8 (Cyclops): Gabrielle Guyton

For The Love of The Venus, a Drama in Three Acts:

Father: Owen Minchau

Mother: Molly Moreland

The Young Man: Kris Weeks

The Uncle: Frankie Gross

The Bride-To-Be (later guised as “The Hottentot Venus”): Gabrielle Guyton

Production Dates: Venus is scheduled to be performed in the Eva Marie Saint Theatre from October 19 -21 and October 26 - 28 at 8:00pm and October 21, 22, and 28 at 2:00pm