With the coming of Kim Kardashian’s rear-emphasizing nudes in Paper Magazine came a controversial comparison to Saartjie Baartman – the so-called “Venus Hottentot” taken from South Africa for exhibition in Europe because her body was so different. If you’ve seen the caricatures, you’ll remember what Europeans found most striking: a big bottom.

It’s timely good luck that Baartman’s story is among the four original short comedy plays being performed tonight by Performing Fusion Theatre as part of its “Hunger, Lies & History: The Dark Comedies.”

“We here at PFT feel the story of Venus must be told and put in the forefront,” said founders Ayshia Stephenson, executive director, and Brian Moore-Ward, artistic director.

The night, vowing to “push the boundaries of performance and original work” (another of the plays is a glimpse into the adult life of Charlie Brown) uses an ensemble of seven actors, including Steve Auger, Katherine “Kitty” Drexel, Robin Gabrielli, Will Jobs, Katelyn MacLean, Katie O’Reilly and Dennis Roach.

“Hunger, Lies & History: The Dark Comedies” starts at 7:20 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m., at Davis Square Theatre, 255 Elm St., Somerville. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door.