“Art” is something rare: an extremely funny play, with a lot of challenging intellectual content, and articulate characters with strong emotions. Or—to put it more succinctly—it is wonderfully French.
It’s subject appears to be the significance of modern (especially minimalist) art. The intellectual debate revolves around whether an expensive painting ($200,000 worth of expensive) consisting of what appears to be a solidly white canvas, is basically a swindle, a bad joke, a mistake.
But we soon realize that there is more to “Art” then meets the eye. It is also about the impact of a painting on the friendship of three men. It is an exploration of what is important and what isn’t. It is a challenge to lives lived by ill-considered assumptions. It is an emotional roller coaster. It is a hoot.
Shotgun’s production meets the essential challenges of the play. The complex intellectual argument is carefully paced so it is not too difficult to follow. The relationships between the three characters are carefully explored and allowed a full emotional range. And, most importantly, the humor is mined for maximum laughter.
Actors Benoît Monin (Serge), David Sinaiko (Marc), and Woody Harper (Yvan) are reliably skillful. Woody Harper has a standout moment when he delivers a long monologue about his mother and his fiance and his upcoming marriage that builds one laugh upon another upon another open another. It is a tour de force that had the audience roaring with delight and stopping the show to applaud when it was over.
While the rest of the evening may not reach the heights of that marvelous monologue, the play is well-delivered overall.
Emilie Whalen’s directorial hand is steady. Randy Wong-Westbrooke provides a serviceable set. And Gabriel Rodriguez lights the stage well. Special call-out to props designer Emily Summers, who provides numerous unexpected surprises. And an appreciative nod to sound designer Ray Archie, who creates a soundscape that greatly adds to the play’s effect.
“Art” continues at Shotgun Players through April 6, 2025. For further information click here.
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Rating: *** (For an explanation of TheatreStorm’s rating system, click here.)
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“Art” by Yesmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton. Director: Emilie Whalen. Scenic Designer: Randy Wong-Westbrooke. Lighting Designer: Gabriel Rodriguez. Sound Desginer/Composer: Ray Archie. Props Designer: Emily Summers. Costume Designer: Alice Ruiz. Choreographer: Alice Ruiz. Fight Choreographer: Brian Dipaola.
Cast:
Yvan: Woody Harper. Serge: Benoît Monin. David Sinaiko: Marc.
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