Stage Review - ART
- debra Hall
- Oct 15, 2024
- 2 min read
⭐⭐⭐⭐
ART is a one-act play written by French dramatist, Yasmina Reza. Translated from French to English by Christopher Hampton (1996), this production of ART is touring - directed by Iqbal Khan.
Marc, Serge and Yvan are close friends, however the true state of their friendship has altered and the respect they once held for one another, without judgement, seems to be wavering. Why? Well, each character delivers a monologue (or two) where negativity and insecurity is expressed, ignited by the private and paired responses, of each man, to Serge's ownership of an all-white painting.
Discussions held between Marc and Serge; then Marc and Yvan; then Yvan and Serge, about Serge's painting and his reasons for buying and the huge monetary outlay comes in the form of sharp witted dialogue throughout.
All the jealous disappointments, the personal gripes and irritations held between the three (who love each other really) comes to a head, through heated discussion and a physical scuffle too, seemingly brought about by differences of opinions about the painting.
Reviewer would say that she quite liked the painting (others would say it s*#T), but would not say the play is 'hilarious' or describe it as rip roaring funny. ART, however, is chuckingly amusing and completely engages the mind. The humour disguises an underlying tone of disquiet. The three-hander script is a gift for the three actors, lots of lines to remember and emotion driven monologues to deliver, that, if there were any veering at all, was not apparent.
A straightforward, yet, sophisticated production - thoroughly enjoyed.
Cast:
Aden Gillett (Marc)
Chris Harper (Serge)
Seann Walsh (Yvan)
ENDS
Stage Review - ART by Theatre Critic, Debra Hall who attended the evening performance at The Belgrade Theatre, Coventry 16TH October 2024, 7.30pm
REFERENCES
The Belgrade Theatre Production Photography (Oct 2024)
The Belgrade Theatre https://www.belgrade.co.uk/events/art/
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