VENUS IN FUR by DAVID IVES
STARRING: KRISTOPHER TURNER, TATTIAWNA JONES
DIRECTED BY: MICHÈLE LONSDALE - SMITH
ANGELO MAI, ROME - JUNE 2nd, 3rd & 4th 2023
VENUS IN FUR, written by David Ives is about Thomas Novachek, played by Kristopher Turner, a writer-director of a new play opening in New York City; this play-within-the-play is an adaptation of the 1870 novel Venus in Furs by the Austrian author Leopold von Sacher-Masoch and happens to be the novel that inspired the term "masochism". The play begins with Novachek on the telephone lamenting the inadequacies of the actresses who have showed up that day to audition for the lead character, Vanda von Dunayev. Suddenly, at the last minute, a new actress called Vanda (Wanda) Jordan played by Tattiawna Jones, bursts in.
Vanda convinces Thomas to audition her for the role of Vanda and to be her reader for the audition. In a play about sex, power and the theatre; the primal and the divine clash, roles and relationships are explored, exploited, improved and reversed.
Kristopher Turner
Kristopher has been studying with Michele Lonsdale•Smith and LS&CO for 12 years, and is a member of Gracemoon Arts since its formation. On stage, Kristopher’s credits include the Toronto premiere of “Bad Jews'' directed by Michèle, the North American premiere of “That Face” (Canadian Stage) and the World premiere of “In Gabriel’s Kitchen” (Buddies in Bad Times). On screen Kristopher has led multiple TV series including; “Ruby and the Well”, “Saving Hope”, “The LA Complex”, and “Instant Star”. He is also one of the leading cast members in the Gracemoon digital series “Little Wars”. He lives in Toronto with his wife and two daughters.
“I cannot think of the words to describe the thrill it is to be performing on a stage in Rome. To be rehearsing, creating, and performing with the Gracemoon company, alongside my wife Emilie and our daughters is beyond a dream. I am overfilled with gratitude. Grazie, Grazie, Grazie”
Tattiawna Jones
Tattiawna Jones is thrilled to be playing Vanda in the Gracemoon Arts Rome production of Venus in Fur, directed by Michèle Lonsdale•Smith. Tattiawna is an artist, actor and comedian. In 2006 She began studying at LS&CO studios under the tutelage of Michèle and fell more in love with acting than ever before. She has studied with LS&CO studios ever since. This year marked her first opportunity to teach at LS&CO. In 2014 Michèle and business partner Randall Ross formed Gracemoon Arts Company, and included Tattiawna as one of its founding members. Since its inception, Tattiawna has played leading roles in many Gracemoon productions including but not limited to “Little Wars”, a digital series written, directed and produced by Michèle Lonsdale•Smith, “The Dreamer Examines His Pillow” and “Where’s My Money” by John Patrick Shanley, both directed by Michèle. Tattiawna is also developing her stand up comedy career and has performed in Los Angeles, New York and Toronto.
Tattiawna works in the film and television industry. Some of her most recent credits include “Station 11”, “Washington Black”, “The Handmaid's Tale”, “Tully”, “The Nest”.
"Grazie Michèle. For bringing Gracemoon Arts Company to Rome. For your generosity and talent and artistry. For another opportunity of mentorship and bad ass art making beyond my wildest dreams. I'm having the time of my life. Until the wheels fall off."