That’s the opening scene in “Venus in Fur “ at the Classic Stage Company, an off-the-cliff story by playwright David Ives that juggles reality and fantasy.

Near the end of an exasperating day, the playwright, Thomas (Wes Bentley) is about to call it quits. No woman has equaled his vision for the role in his play until, a flustered actress Vanda (Nina Arianda) barges in and dissembles the rest of the day.

At once kinky and compelling, “Venus in Fur” is based on Leopold von Sacher-Masoch’s 1870 novel about an aristocratic male’s desire for female dominance.

Thrillingly directed by Walter Bobbie, the physicality of the acting morphs into a daring spectacle. Relatively new on the scene, Arianda is not a pretty, but one of these handsome woman capable of making themselves appear beautiful or plain on command.

The power struggle between director/writer and actor/auditioner is mirrored in the play. They engage in a version of sexual top-dog, under-dog until the “reveal” at the end—an absolutely delicious twist on the plot.

A giddy mix of writing, directing and acting make “Venus in Fur” alternately humorous and chilling. You will not soon forget this production or the outstanding Ms. Arianda.
C. Ipiotis