“How much would you pay for a white painting? Would it matter who the painter was? Would it be art?” These questions and other serious issues of life are presented in Christopher Hampton’s translation of Yasmina Reza’s stunning comedy Art which will be presented by Dignity Players as their opening show of their 2013-2014 season which explores the Power of Art in all of our lives.
The story, about art and friendship, is marvelously simple. “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, Yvan, though burdened by his own problems, allows himself to be pulled into this disagreement. Eager to please, Yvan 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 eaking 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.”
Joining Director Darice Clewell in this “actor's dream, a nonstop cross-fire of crackling language, serious issues of life” are actors Jim Gallagher in the role of Yvan, Tom New ough in the role of Marc, and Kevin Wallace in the role of Serge. Production staff include Laurie Nolan on set, Pat Browning on props, Shirley Panek on lights, and Jeannie Beall on costumes.
Art will be performed at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Annapolis at 333 Dubois Road on September 13, 14, 20, 21, 26-28 at 8pm, and on September 15 and 22 at 3pm. Tickets go on sale on August 1 and can be purchased online at www.dignityplayers.org or by calling (410) 266-8044, ext. 127.
