Lebanon has long been known for its liberal atmosphere in the region, even being dubbed by some as the " Las Vegas of the Middle East ." Still, the subject of BDSM, recently made trendy by " 50 Shades of Grey," may seem a bit edgy, even for Beirut.
A new production directed by Jacques Maroun currently running at Théâtre Monnot wants to push the limits a bit further. " Venus," an adaption of American playwright David Ives' "Venus in Fur" showcases BDSM but switches up the 50 Shades equation, placing the woman in the dominant power role, working to subvert traditional gender stereotypes.
Centering around a casting session between a play's director, Badih (Badih Abou Chakra), and a young actress, Vanda (Rita Hayek), the play commences on a somewhat ominous tone in a decrepit, dimly lit and sparsely furnished room with thunder echoing as lightning flickers on stage. The tone quickly turns comedic, however, playing with the line between ominous and humorous as it continues.
Starting out, Badih stands on stage talking on the phone, using sexist language to critique the actresses he has met with throughout the day's casting session. He is finding it difficult to find an actress who can adequately portray the character of Vanda in his adaption of a classic sadomasochistic German novel from 1870. It is the end of his day and he is ready to head home to his fiancée, but all of that is about to change when a beautiful, ditzy gum-chewing young woman hobbles into the room, bags in tow.
The aspiring actress, who is also named Vanda, has come to audition for the part of the dominatrix in Badih's script. She has come prepared, although quite late, dressed in tight leather lingerie under her long coat. Initially wearing tall black heels, these are later traded for knee-high black boots, sensually put on her by Badih as the play unfolds.
Initially, Badih is less than impressed with the vulgar Vanda, who has arrived late and immediately reveals her abrupt and tactless personality. However, through her non-traditional charm, Vanda finally convinces Badih to allow her to read through the lines, shocking him with her incredible performance.
From there the drama unfolds as the casting session extends longer than necessary, both Badih and Vanda becoming more and more lost in the roles they are reading. As the story plays out, It is revealed that Badih perhaps has an intimate connection to the male character's lines that he is reading. Although Badih initially appears to be the dominant character in Venus, Vanda steadily takes on the dominant role, climaxing in a complete power reversal by the end of the play.
Vanda's character reveals that behind her ditzy mask lies a competent and powerful woman, utilizing her oblivious mannerisms as a tool to gain control over the unsuspecting Badih as he is steadily guided under her domination. Through her skillful and psychological techniques, Vanda subverts the dynamics of the director-actress relationship, with Badih transforming into her submissive.
Due to the sexual content of the play, local censors have given it an 18+ rating. Although the sexually explicit content is daring on its own, perhaps even more unique is the play's challenge to traditional gender roles, showcasing a strong female manipulating her way to a position of complete dominance over a previously dominant male character.
The play was adapted by Lina Khoury and Gabriel Yammine and is presented by The Actors Workshop – Beirut . Running from March 10 until April 5 and performing to full houses, it seems that the BDSM trend has found an audience in Beirut as well.