“Art” at Old Library Theatre

“Art”
by Yasmina Reza
Translated by Chistopher Hampton

How much would you pay for a white painting? Would it matter who the painter was? Would it be art? One of Marc’s best friends, Serge, has just bought a very expensive painting. It’s about five feet by four, all white with white diagonal lines. To Marc, the painting is a joke, but Serge insists Marc doesn’t have the proper standard to judge the work. Another friend, Ivan, though burdened by his own problems, allows himself to be pulled into the this disagreement. Eager to please, Ivan tells Serge he likes the painting. Lines are drawn and these old friends square off over the canvas, using it as an excuse to relentlessly batter one another over various failures. As their arguments become less theoretical and more personal, they border on destroying their friendships. At the breaking point, Serge hands Marc a felt tip pen and dares him: "Go on." This is where the friendship is finally tested and the aftermath of action, and its reaction, affirms the power of those bonds.

Performed by Old Library Theatre
At Fair Lawn Senior Center
Performances ran
Friday, January 14, 2005 thru Saturday, January 22, 2005
Ensemble.... Art Murray
Ensemble.... John Bryant Phillips Has Bio Has photo
Ensemble.... Bill Zarro
Directed by Barbara Warren Has Bio
Performances