"art"
By Yasmina Reza
Directed by Jim Petosa
Olney Theatre Center for the Arts
2001 Olney-Sandy Spring Road
Olney, MD
October 9 – November 11, 2001
What is "art"? That Depends …
By Shirley J. Gregory
What’s "art"?
is a question that could apply to Yasmina Reza’s 1998 Tony Award winning "art", as well as to the question his characters wrestle with in this humorous yet touching play superbly directed by Olney Theatre Center’s artistic director Jim
Petosa.
"Art" is a comedy; it’s a drama; it’s a philosophical discussion; it is light-hearted comment on artistic elitism. It’s philosophic look at life sneaks upon the audience in the guise of a humorous look at modern art appreciation and friendship.
How much is too much to pay for a painting, a work of "art"? 50,000? $100,000? When well-to-do dermatologist Serge unveils his 200,000-franc purchase for his friends, their reaction is, well, less than encouraging. An unframed canvas of total white constitutes art? Conversations and philosophical arguments ensue regarding what constitutes art – exactly what art is – and, as the play progresses, the boundaries of love and friendship are explored as well.
As the philosophical debate turns contentious, the pals soon question each other’s friendship, and the argument escalates quickly into accusations of disputed loyalty and betrayal. The limits of art and camaraderie are challenged through the brilliant writing and sharply drawn characters.
Yasmina Reza wrote "art" in 1994, which won her a second Moliere Award (France’s Tony Award), as well as the Olivier Award and Evening Standard Award for best plan in London, and the 1998 Tony Award for best play on Broadway. The play has been translated into over 20 languages. "art" was inspired by the purchase of an all-white painting by Reza’s best friend. She reports that the relationship survived the play.
The director of this production, Petosa, is a three-time Helen Hayes Award nominee for outstanding director, and winner for "Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris," and he has directed numerous productions at OTC, including last season’s "Thérèse Raquin."
"I am fascinated by this play’s extraordinary humor, theatricality and humanity," said Petosa. "Inside this gem, Reza explores potent and dynamic ideas about intimacy and friendship that expand well beyond the confines of the three characters she depicts. Her boundless and unframed canvas includes us all and in its minimalism, it finds compelling truth about the smallest of human alliances that resonate well beyond."
Three OTC favorites return to the Olney stage to bring the play’s characters to life. Alan Wade portrays Serge, the proud and artistically pompous owner of the abstract painting that causes the turmoil among the three friends. A professor of theater at George Washington University, Wade appeared most recently in the OTC productions "The Madwoman of Chaillot" and "Tartuffe." He recently directed "Les Liaisons Dangereuses" for the 53rd annual tour of National Players.
Fresh from his acclaimed performance as Johnny Case in the critical and popular success "Holiday," Christopher Lane portrays Yvan, Serge’s vaguely detached friend who haplessly endures the verbal barbs of his two friends. Nominated for a 2001 Helen Hayes Award for his performance in OTC’s "Thérèse Raquin," Lane received the award in 2000 for his portrayal of Nugget in Olney’s production of "Equus."
Rounding out the cast is Paul Morella as Marc, Serge’s acerbic friend who questions the economic wisdom and artistic judgment of purchasing such a painting. Most recently seen on the Olney stage in Potomac Theatre Project’s "Plenty," Morella has appeared in numerous OTC productions, including "Becket," "Broken Glass," "M. Butterfly," "Sight Unseen," "The Time of Your Life," and, most recently, "The Rivals."
"art"is a small, perfect jewel. The stark, minimalist setting that serves as each character’s residence allows total focus on the three characters, their interaction, and the totally unexpected resolution to their mêlée over the painting. The minimalist sounds that accompany the stark "mise-en-scène" provide the perfect accompaniment for the characters’ moods and movements.
For information about "art" show times or tickets, or for directions to the theater, call Olney Theatre Center’s box office at 30/924-3400, or visit the web site at www.olneytheatre.org.