Women's Basketball vs. CSU Dominguez Hills

Venus

Who is Venus?

An African woman, a freak, an object of derision and desire, a captive, a survivor, a lover, a puzzle, a challenge, a mirror reflecting prejudices and preconceptions, suppressed fears and hidden yearnings. In this searing and surprising multidimensional play by Pulitzer Prize winner Suzan-Lori Parks, she is seen as all these and more.

Based on a true story from the early 19th century, the play is at once historical and contemporary, told in a dynamic drama that takes Venus and the audience from South Africa to a carnival show in England and a scientist’s laboratory in France.

The character of Venus is based on a real historical figure, Saartjie (Sarah) Baartman who was the most celebrated of several women from the Khoisan peoples in South Africa who were exhibited in Europe as “Venus Hottentot.” They were seen as curiosities or even as freaks for physiques that were unusual to the Europeans of that time.

Venus (played by Eboni Session) is exhibited in England by the "Mother Showman" (Shannon Bass.) She is taken to Paris by the "Baron Docteur" (Zach Scott) who wants to study her, but is also in love with her. Eventually she meets the "Negro Resurrectionist" (Robert Davis), who in the past made his living by digging up graves to supply scientists with corpses, but as her jailer in France, gets to know Venus and wants to protect her.