Art is one of the most subjective things on the planet. I mean, what constitutes great art? What one person loves, and feels is deep and meaningful, another finds nonsense and wasteful. What someone feels a piece of art is worth is down to them and them alone, yet despite knowing all of this you can't help but judge the viewpoint of others. What happens when your opinions do not match the ones of your best friends?
That in itself is what the show Art is about. It's an 80 minute play about three friends who's differing opinions could make or break a friendship. Having previously won several awards including an Olivier, Tony, and Moliere, I was excited to go into this show blind to see just what the big deal is over some art.
Written by Yasmina Reza, Art is set in Paris. This show follows three friends, Serge, Marc, and Yvan. One day their 15 year friendship is shook when Serge shows his friends a new, staggeringly expensive piece of art he has purchased. A white canvas with white lines on it. Upon hearing the staggering price of the painting, Marc calls it a "piece of white shit" and can't believe that one of his oldest friends spent a large sum on it. Yvan tries to balance out the argument by being slightly more positive about it, however this also infuriates Marc as he struggles to see how others can't see his point of view. This argument is a catalyst to a night where tempers fly and opinions are thrown at each other, seemingly attempting to destroy their friendship as quickly as they can.
The play is cleverly staged with modernistic moving pieces of set that transport you through the characters homes. I honestly loved the clever use of lighting and staging and how the simplicity of it allowed the actors and words a platform to shine and spotlight the show in it's best light.
Aden Gillett plays Marc, the traditionalist who is "stuck in his ways". His instant disregard and blunt opinions are what initially brings the laughs. The uncomfortable truth that yes a white canvas with white lines is ridiculous. But his insistence that his opinion is the right one and the stubborness that Gillett uses in the role is what makes his character all the more hilarious. I won't give away the end, but his own self reflection hidden behind formal politeness is nothing short of brilliant.
Chris Harper plays Serge, the modernist, extravagant painting owner who prides himself on his taste and high brow opinions. I loved how his character evolved throughout the play, whilst also sticking true to his own beliefs. Challenging his best friend to try and see things through his eyes, whilst failing to see that differing viewpoints could still ensure that they remain friends. I loved the contrast of his performance compared to Gillett's hot-headedness and the clashes that occur are comedically timed to perfection.
Seann Walsh plays Yvan, who's peace keeping nature gets him caught in the crossfire. Whilst trying to manage the expectations of both friends he realises that he spends so long appeasing to others that he fails to have opinions of his own. I absolutely loved his portrayal of this character and his monologue about the farcical nature of his impending wedding had the audience in absolute stitches and shows that Walsh is not just a stand up comedian, he's a fantastic comedic actor too.
All three actors worked so well together that I couldn't believe how quickly the 80 minute play went. Their performances allowed us into this world that left the audience questioning whether a white canvas with white lines was "shit" or a masterpiece. The subjectiveness of the art opens up questions about what makes not only great art, but also a great friendship and truly whether differing opinions will make or break relationships with others.
This play is a hot-headed, laugh out loud, hilarious look at how subjective art can be, and how differing of opinions can leave people struggling to understand the viewpoints of others. It's razor sharp words and humour start the show with a bang and snowball into a play that will leave you questioning everything you knew about modern art, and how your perspective of it can affect not only your opinions on art, but also your opinions on others. Art is honestly a show like no others that I have seen and it left the audience buzzing and chatting about their own thoughts.
Art is currently embarking on a UK tour after opening at the Lighthouse, Poole.
For more info and tickets please follow the links below:
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