Venus

Venus

Signature Theatre

The Pershing Square Signature Center

June 3, 2017

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Suzan-Lori Parks’ Venus is a stunning testament to Miss Saartjie Baartman, and a stark and clear depiction of the abusive mistreatment of her alter ego Venus Hottentot.  This Signature Theater production is truly spectacular.  Director Lear Debessonet finds the power and meaning of the words, rhythm, and structure of Ms. Park’s writing.  Costume Design by Emilio Sosa combined with Wig, Hair, and Make-up Design by J. Jared Janas brings a crisp visual whimsy that magnifies the cruelty of society’s ignorance and behavior during that time period.  Matt Saunders utilizes shape and image in his Scenic Design to merge dark expansive space with realistic setting.

The year is 1810.  Miss Saartjie Baartman (played by Zainab Jah) is lured from her home in Africa with the promise of “making a mint” as an exotic performer in London.  She is abandoned and left to perform in a side show run by The Mother-Showman (played by Randy Danson), who quickly learns that men will pay extra to fondle her shapely body.  She is named Venus Hottentot, and soon becomes sought after by men in every city and town visited by the side show.  She is purchased by The Baron Docteur (played by John Ellison Conlee), and taken to Paris where he can study her anatomy.  His love for Venus overwhelms to him, yet this does not deter him from continuing his study and objectification of her as a biological species.

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

From the first moment of the play we experience the character of Ms. Baartman as a loving and caring young woman.  The treatment of her as a non-human object is blatant and appalling.  Zainab Jah is warm, personable, and naive in this character.  She stands out from the rest of the cast due to the stylistic way they are all costumed and characterized.  Your eyes are constantly drawn to her while your heart follows her journey.  Kevin Mambo plays The Negro Resurrectionist.  This character serves as narrator, historic fact keeper, and personal story teller for Venus.  In one moment he is re-counting the cold, stark detail of this true story, then in the next he is connecting on a deep, genuine level to the injustice and abuse.  His performance allows the audience to historically and objectively take in the events and then process them on a human, emotional level.

Photo courtesy of Signature Theatre

Signature Theatre production of Venus is a gem!  Miss Parks' script is amazing.  She tells the story with biting humor and stark emotion.  The cast is a strong ensemble who shines in each individual moment they are given.  Unfortunately, the production closes on June 4. 

Domenick Danza