Performances began April 25 for Suzan-Lori Parks’ Venus at the Signature Theatre. Directed by Obie Award winner Lear deBessonet, the play depicts the real-life journey of Saartjie Baartman, the unfortunate star of 19th century London’s freak show circuit.

Venus is playing in The Irene Diamond Stage at The Pershing Square Signature Center through June 4. The production will officially open May 15.

Flip through the production photos below:

close gallery

0 of

Take a First Look at Suzan-Lori Parks’ Venus at the Signature

Next Slide  

You may also like

• 
  Photos: Inside the New York City Premiere of Suzan-Lori Parks' Native Son Adaptation
• 
  Photos: Rehearsals for White Noise Off-Broadway
• 
  Photos: Inside the Steinberg Playwrights Awards Honoring Suzan-Lori Parks

Venus chronicles the unexpected—and devastating—rise to fame of Baartman, who traveled from southern Africa to London in search of a better life, but became known as “Hottentot Venus” and paraded on the freak show circuit because of her large buttocks. The play details her relationship with a French scientist, and offers a unique perspective on the way we live and love today.

To purchase tickets call Ticket Services at (212) 244-7529 or visit SignatureTheatre.org.

LOVE BROADWAY? CHECK OUT THE NEW ARRIVALS AT THE PLAYBILL STORE!