CONTRAPPOSTO

by Rachael Carnes

10-Minute Play: Venus complains about the male gaze to Botticelli. 1485.

10-Minute Play: Venus complains about the male gaze to Botticelli. 1485.

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CONTRAPPOSTO

Recommended by

  • Morey Norkin: CONTRAPPOSTO

    A very clever, witty piece that looks at how centuries of art have influenced our view of gender roles. The anachronistic banter between Botticelli and Venus is lively and provides laughs and insight in equal measure. Sure to be a delight on stage.

    A very clever, witty piece that looks at how centuries of art have influenced our view of gender roles. The anachronistic banter between Botticelli and Venus is lively and provides laughs and insight in equal measure. Sure to be a delight on stage.

  • Kay Kestner: CONTRAPPOSTO

    With sharp and witty dialogue, CONTRAPPOSTO encapsulates centuries of women’s struggles for equality. Humor with a sword of truth runs through every line in this unique “portrait” of the struggle not only of Venus’ but of all women to be viewed as strong and powerful. Quick-paced, snappy, and thoroughly engaging.

    With sharp and witty dialogue, CONTRAPPOSTO encapsulates centuries of women’s struggles for equality. Humor with a sword of truth runs through every line in this unique “portrait” of the struggle not only of Venus’ but of all women to be viewed as strong and powerful. Quick-paced, snappy, and thoroughly engaging.

  • Ryan M. Bultrowicz: CONTRAPPOSTO

    Carnes has crafted an amazing piece that deftly redefines Botticelli’s famed subject, not as a silent object of desire, but as a vibrant, empowered woman pushing back against the constraints of her era. Look no further for a scintillating dive into art history and gender politics! Super fun - I'm sure it'd be an absolute joy to see on stage.

    Carnes has crafted an amazing piece that deftly redefines Botticelli’s famed subject, not as a silent object of desire, but as a vibrant, empowered woman pushing back against the constraints of her era. Look no further for a scintillating dive into art history and gender politics! Super fun - I'm sure it'd be an absolute joy to see on stage.

View all 18 recommendations

Character Information

CHARACTERS

SANDRO BOTTICELLI, aka Alessandro di Mariano di Vanni Filipepi, member of the Florentine School under the patronage of Lorenzo de’ Medici. Painter of “The Birth of Venus”. Man, 40’s.

VENUS, Roman goddess of love, beauty, prosperity, fertility and victory. Woman. Ageless.
  • VENUS
    Character Age
    Any Age
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Any
    Character Gender Identity
    Cis Woman
  • SANDRO
    Character Age
    Adult
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    White
    Character Gender Identity
    Man

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Feels Blind Literary Magazine — Publication , Year 2020
  • Type Professional, Organization Undisposables, London, UK, Year 2019