Interview With Venus In Fur Director – Carin Jean White

Following an unforgettable 9 weeks of stellar musical theatre, Venus in Fur is heating things up in Rehoboth Beach! We met Director Carin Jean White to discuss the play’s significance in today’s world. Carin shares her insights on the MeToo movement, masochism, and human interactions, hoping the play will shift perspectives and spark reflection. Read our exclusive interview with Director Carin Jean White and join us for the opening of Venus in Fur on Thursday, September 19th, 2024, at 7:00 PM!

Performances on September 19, 20, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29 in 2024!

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Director Carin Jean White started acting at age 4 and directed her first play in high school. She then went on to attend Columbia University, where she earned an MFA in Directing. Favorite projects include creating an immersive theatre festival at Artpark in Western New York for an audience of over 2k, resident directing EMPIRE on Broadway (Speigelworld), and creating site specific dance-theatre pieces for DUMBO (Brooklyn) and the Prague Quadrennial (Prague). She believes that art is a powerful tool for reflection, the sharing of ideas, and developing empathy. She hopes Venus In Fur encourages us to examine human interactions and spark dialogue.

Carin Jean White is a distinguished director renowned for her innovative and thought-provoking approach to theater. Her work on Venus in Fur exemplifies her commitment to exploring complex themes and fostering deep emotional connections with audiences. White brings a unique perspective to every production she helms.

Here is our interview with Director Carin Jean White,

What is something that you think would excite our audience about Venus in Fur?

Carin: Venus in Fur is incredibly exciting because it delves into intimate and provocative themes. It explores gender and power dynamics, which are intriguing as they are evergreen themes about the human experience. And the play’s meta-theatrical elements add another compelling layer to the audience’s experience, especially when the lines between the play and the play-within-the-play begin to blur.

How does the play’s exploration of masochism and power dynamics resonate with today’s audience?

Carin: I think these themes are very relevant to today’s audience, as there is a lot more discussion of masochism, BDSM, and power dynamics- especially as it pertains to gender- in today’s popular culture. Someone doesn’t have to identify with the BDSM community to relate to these characters, themes, or topics. This play, which focuses on the interaction between a director and actress, reveals how power dynamics can shift rapidly in unexpected ways. The story is fascinating because it not only reflects historical narratives but also engages with contemporary thought on gender and sexual dynamics.

What makes the play’s themes so enduring?

Carin: The themes are timeless because they explore fundamental aspects of human interaction and desire.

Can you share what your favorite part of the play is?

Carin: One of my favorite aspects is the echo of Greek tragedy* within the play. It’s unexpected but adds a rich layer to the narrative. There’s a subtle nod to classic tragedy that enhances the play’s depth and resonance. *Greek Tragedy – When the protagonist or someone of importance and outstanding qualities falls to disaster.

How does the play relate to contemporary issues, such as the MeToo movement?

Carin: First let’s keep in mind that the play was written seven years before the MeToo movement occurred in 2017, and we are now seven years after that inciting moment. However, in my mind this play cannot be produced without considering this context. The character of Thomas, for example, represents a kind of opportunistic, misogynistic male director, and there is a kind of satisfaction in how Thomas has a bit of a comeuppance for his actions. Also, how Vanda’s power and agency are portrayed in our production is in response to the context of 2024. While the play was written in 2010, we as theatre artists must always ask “why this play, why now,” and Chris (actor playing Thomas), Eve (actress playing Vanda), and myself are working hard creating our answer to this question onstage for the Clear Space audience.

What do you hope the audience takes away from the experience?

Carin: I want the audience to enjoy the play and have fun. It’s a play that combines humor with heavy themes, providing both entertainment and thought-provoking content. Theatre has a unique power to create empathy and reflection, and I hope the audience gains insight into a part of the human experience they might not often consider and holds empathy for people whom the characters reflect.  Venus in Fur offers a chance to explore topics that some audience members might typically not discuss, so there could be an interesting opportunity for conversation.

 

Tags: #venusinfur, Interview