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VENUS 2.0

 
Ross Anthony Review by Ross Anthony 3 Published: 22 Aug 2025 Zoo Southside Show Dates: 19 Aug 2025-24 Aug 2025

Venus 2.0 has an ambitious goal: to portray a complex tapestry of historical change and political evolution through dance. The performance focuses on the life of Mary Richardson, a suffragette activist turned fascist. It starts with an exposition-heavy introduction which feels slightly strained, if rather charismatically delivered, but at least explains why.

A distinct undercurrent of emotion and flair throughout which remained impressive

In their words, "Contemporary dance and narrative clarity are not always best of friends," and with that in mind some latitude is certainly earned.

The choreography is well tuned and the cast deliver it ably. There is a distinct undercurrent of emotion and flair throughout, which remains impressive. The dance itself is great, and the silhouette work occasionally employed is particularly striking. It is especially impactful during the forced feeding sequence depicting Richardson's imprisonment and hunger strike.

Unfortunately, at times the performance loses its sombre tone. The depiction of Filippo Tommaso Marinetti as a comedic figure feels jarring and difficult to reconcile with the broader piece. Later, it becomes clearer that the contrast was meant to align with a contemporary figure who has inserted themselves into politics. Regrettably, this connection is not fully realised, so it feels forced rather than earned. I also struggled to connect with Mary Richardson as a character; her fall to fascism is not adequately explored, and the narrative feels rushed.

The most unsettling and ultimately redeeming part of the performance are the speeches from Oswald Mosley. The bombastic gesturing and dance from a deliberately ethnic minority performer wearing a white mask, overlaid with the penultimate British fascist’s words, is arresting and troubling in an extremely well-handled episode.

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The Blurb:

Follow the scandalous true story of Suffragette-turned-fascist Mary Richardson in this time-bending cabaret. Award-winning company IMPERMANENCE bring you a high-octane dance theatre experience exploring the chaos and turmoil of the early 20th-century. Featuring six chameleonic dancers, VENUS 2.0 is a white-knuckle ride through the evolution of Fascism. Enter a world of explosive physicality, hilarious cabaret and an obsession with the future. Why did it start? How does it stop? Where does it end? Fringe favourites IMPERMANENCE have been making groundbreaking productions since 2011, don’t miss this spectacle on the best stage for dance at the festival.