NORMAL THEATER FIELD GUIDE
Venus in Fur: A 90‑Minute Power Play in Normal’s Black Box
A concentrated, mature production directed by Kathleen Kirk that turns a routine audition into a tense, twisty exploration of power, gender and control—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Venus in Fur: A 90‑Minute Power Play in Normal’s Black Box.
Set in Normal, Illinois and presented by Heartland Theatre Company, Venus in Fur is a wickedly funny and seductive game of cat‑and‑mouse: an audition unravels into a tense, twisty battle over power and control that leans on mature themes and sustained dramatic tension.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A taut, 90‑minute dramatic sprint
Directed by Kathleen Kirk with assistant direction by Blake Stubbs, the production compresses its psychological duel into a single, intermission‑free 90 minutes, keeping the pace relentless and the stakes high.
Power, gender and erotic gamesmanship
What begins as an audition becomes a charged confrontation over power and control; expect dark humor, shifting authority, and unexpected narrative twists that probe adult relationships.
Staging and sensory cautions
The staging includes flashing lights used to simulate lightning; the production is explicitly identified as mature and contains adult situations—important context for audience members with photosensitivity or those sensitive to mature themes.
What the day feels like
What the evening feels like
The play unfolds as an intimate, escalating duel: an audition spirals into a charged battle of wills, with humor and seduction giving way to sharper conflicts and narrative turns—all delivered in a focused, 90‑minute presentation with no intermission.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this production suits—and who should take care.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The performance is 90 minutes long with no intermission—plan arrival and restroom breaks accordingly.
Bring valid student or military ID if you intend to use the available discounted rates; dress comfortably for an indoor theater setting.
Presented in Normal, Illinois by Heartland Theatre Company; check venue arrival procedures if you need accessibility accommodations.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is Venus in Fur?
The production runs 90 minutes and is presented with no intermission.
Is the show appropriate for children?
No: the production contains mature content and adult situations and is intended for mature audiences.
Are there any sensory warnings?
Yes: the production contains flashing lights used to simulate lightning.
What are the ticket prices?
General admission (ages 18–64) is $21.00; senior (65+) and military (with valid ID) tickets are $19.00; student tickets (with valid ID) are $10.00.
Who is responsible for this production?
Venus in Fur is directed by Kathleen Kirk, assistant‑directed by Blake Stubbs, sponsored by Dave Montague and underwritten by John W. Kirk, and produced by Heartland Theatre Company.