Craig Schwartz)

The risqué play set around Florence, Italy, from 1513 to 1516, follows the struggles of Machiavelli, author of “The Prince.” Political insider and eventually exiled citizen, Machiavelli wrestles with the goddess Fortuna to regain respect, while the mortal women and men in his life also influence his destiny. 

The play begins the moment the audience walks into the Scene Dock Theatre, as three women slowly stalk the stage, staring down audience members with seductive glances, while Pete Ploszek, who plays both the Prince and Apuleius is tied to the “wheel of fortune” wearing nothing but a loin cloth.

Provocative scenes of sexual endeavors, temptation and humiliation hold the audience's attention, especially since viewers sit on opposite sides of the stage, close enough to almost touch the actors.

The scenes with young Machiavelli (Kyle Gundlack) heat up further when he is taken to a Roman bath to receive a massage. His massage ends in sex with his masseuse Amrita, played by Kate Grabau, who also plays Fortuna and Barbera with incredible honesty and memorable conviction. 

Dark red lights, designed by Leigh Allen, warm the stage and set the cataclysmic tone, highlighting that Machiavelli is playing with unintended fire. The set design, by Takeshi Kata, creates a perfect atmosphere and space for Renaissance processionals and trials. The elaborate costumes, designed by Sarah Schuenssler, are made of velvet, leather and bold colors that add to the dazzling production. 

Machiavelli is easily lured into uncomfortable instances that may make some audience members a little uneasy, including a scene where he is forced to hold the genitals of his male superiors, as they hold his. 

All the while, his bubbly daughter, Baccina (Lisa Hori-Garcia) desperately tries to restore her family’s name and reputation by selling her soul to the devil—the Prince himself. As the play progresses, different twists and turns restore bring Machiavelli's insider status.

Mayer’s connection to Machiavelli began at the age of 14, when he happened upon a copy of “The Prince.” He authored a novel about Machiavelli by the age of 16 and always had it in mind to write a play, but fortune didn’t smile on him until May 2011 at USC’s School of Theatre, where he is an Associate Professor. He was asked to compose an original work for the talented MFA third year Acting Repertory Company.  They started rehearsal in September and are currently performing Chekhov’s "The Cherry Orchard" and Shakespeare’s "The Tempest" in repertory with “Fortune is a Woman.” 

This provocative gem of a play has two more shows, on March 2nd and March 4th.

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