Dramatic Art (Art)

Member Name: vhart

Product:	Art
Date:	26/09/00 (55 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: tight, well-written script, funny and thoughtful

Disadvantages: no interval!

'Art' is one of those rare beasts, theatrically, an intelligent comedy which does not patronise the audience and allows you to laugh at the character's stupidity and intransigence, whilst recognising those stubborn characteristics which resonate a little in all of us. Perhaps we are laughing at those parts that we recognise in ourselves and our friendships.

This play is a three-hander, and it is about a man who buys an expensive painting of a white canvas. The three men are all friends who have very different reactions to this piece of modern 'art' and the reactions typify their outlooks on life in a wider context. The 'work of art' causes argument and angst and a dissection of the nature of their relationships with each other and the values which they have.

The play then, is more an examination of the nature of relationships and friendship and than having a clear and distinct storyline where 'x' happens and then 'y' happens, but the play never becomes too serious although it has it's moments.

The cast changes with a fair regularity. I have seen the most recent cast with Sean Hughes, but the strength of the writing means that each cast can add it's own interpretation.

It is a one-act play, and so runs without an interval, lasting roughly an hour and a half, so probably not suitable for restless children (there was one sitting in front of me and I did feel a little sorry for her). Otherwise, I'd definitely recommend it. I went to see it with two of my friends and it provided ample scope for discussion afterwards, which as far as I'm concerned is always the sign of a good play.

Summary: