Overview
Synopsis
In December 1815, Saartjie Baartman died. She was best known by the name “Hottentot Venus,” a living oddity worthy of display for European audiences. In Suzan-Lori Parks’ play, the story of Venus and her suffering is exposed. In the Overture of the play, the characters of the show announce that The Venus Hottentot is dead--then, through 31 scenes that move chronologically but are numbered backward, they present a world in which African women are dehumanized and deconstructed. The Venus is taken from her South African home to London, then sold to a sideshow manager, then sold to a doctor. While The Venus’ story is marked by tragedy, Parks encourages audiences to find the love within the play, to understand the fascination of the spectators and the hope of Saartjie, her belief that she will one day see streets of gold and be truly loved.
Show Information
- Book
- Suzan-Lori Parks
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Mature Audiences (M)
- Number of Acts
- 2
- First Produced
- 1996
- Genres
- Drama, Historical/Biographical
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- Victorian England, Africa, Paris
- Cast Size
- small
- Licensor
- Dramatists Play Service
- Ideal For
- College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Mature Audiences, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Female, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Young Adult, Adult, Mature Adult Characters, Small Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
The Mans Brother, later The Mother-Showman, later The Grade-School Chum |
Lead |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
Sorry! We do not currently have terms for this guide.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress