'Venus In Furs' at the Collective Unconscious

Firebrand Theory Theater Company present Venus In Furs, by Leopold von Sacher-Masoch, at the Collective Unconscious from the 30 Sep 2005 - 16 Oct 2005

While the century long debate continues whether Leopold von Sacher-Masoch's novel is pornographic or poetic, pro-feminism or chauvinist, it is credited as the origin of the term masochism - the �M� in S & M.

�Everyone pretty much knows the �S� comes from the Marquis de Sade, but Venus In Furs is the little-known �M� that explores the human need for primal connection and release,� states director Michael Scott-Price. �The stage is the perfect medium to see up close what happens when one person follows his human urge and darkest fantasies to the end.� This classic novel has inspired an entire alternative culture, countless films, and the rock group, Velvet Underground, proving its impact.

Firebrand Theory�s Venus In Furs is a story of a wealthy dilettante who has everything and does nothing, yet falls in love with a woman who gives him the courage to confess his deepest urges. She reluctantly accepts to role-play his long-buried super-sensual desires, and purchases a whip. They are both transformed by this, and the ingredients for their love become the ingredients for their hate.

At its core, Venus In Furs is the bizarre love story of the world�s first willing sex slave.