Venus by Suzan-Lori Parks
The African Heritage Cultural Arts Center (AHCAC) will present “Venus” a play by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Suzan-Lori Parks and directed by Rachel Finley. “Venus” chronicles the fictional life-story of Sarah “Saartjie” Baartman, beginning from her life as an attraction for 19th century British audiences as the Hottentot Venus and ending with her death. It won 2 OBIE Awards in 1995-1996.
Inspired by the true-life story of Sarah “Saartjie” Baartman, the play Venus provides a fictional account of her life abroad in 19th century London. She is lured away from her home in South Africa with the promise of riches and is put on display for British and Parisian audiences. After being sold to the owner of a sideshow known as The Mother-Showman, she is exhibited for her steatopygia and is given the stage name “The Hottentot Venus.” Baartman’s “act” leads to a prospering business, with Europeans all over traveling to see the display of her genitalia and buttocks. The Baron Docteur takes interest in Saartjie, who buys her from the Mother-Showman and takes her with him to Paris as his mistress. However, the Baron Docteur has plans to study her steatopygia after her death. After she contracts gonorrhea from the Baron Docteur, he conspires with his Grade-School Chum to have her jailed until her death. After her untimely death in the jail cell in Paris, a plaster cast of her body along with her skeleton is displayed at the Musée de l’Homme. The show is the winner of two OBIE Awards
Opening night is Friday, January 13, 2017 and ends Sunday, February 5, 2017. Preview shows are Wednesday, January 11 and Thursday, January 12, 2017 7:30 pm. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm, Sundays at 4:00 pm. AHCAC, 6161 NW 22nd Avenue, Miami, Florida 33142 in the heart of Liberty City. Regular admission price are: $30. The Opening Preview Show (Wednesday, January 11, 2017) ticket price is $15 features the opening of the art exhibit, “Resurrecting Venus”: The Cycle Continues with light refreshments starting at 6pm before the show. Pre-sold or advance tickets can be purchased at the Center for $25.00 (cash or check only). Tickets purchased at the box office on show dates are $30.00 (cash or check only). Tickets for students and seniors are $20.00. For group rates or more information about Venus, call or visit the AHCAC at (305) 638-6771. The AHCAC Box office opens an hour before show time and the house opens 15 minutes before show time. Venus is a show for Mature Audiences.
