Art by Yasmina Reza - 3m
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 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.
posted by Larisa at 2:20 PM
7 Comments:
From Scott: “I have seen the show twice but I reread it again for consideration. As much as I liked addressing the topics of Consumerism and Toxic Masculinity, I do not think it is the right fit for TRP. The painting is a major point of the production and with the arena the only places to put it are in Tunnel or above Cedar or Main Vom. Regardless of where the production team places it, the focus is pulled from the arena. It is an interesting piece - just not right for us and therefore I would strongly vote No.“
I have to agree with Scott that it isn't right for our space. No for me.
I have read the script a couple of times and it never excited me. I agree with Scott and Jean, even if I did like to see us produce it, that it is not a good choice for the arena. No.
I do like this play but I cannot make the painting work in the arena, in my mind's eye - I moved it everywhere but visually it is not accessible to all sections so I must say no - yet another of many plays that do not adapt to the round.
I've always wanted to direct this play less realistically to mimic and mirror the minimalism of the painting - fully stripped down using our imaginations to create something, playing into the idea of negative space. I can see it done with the painting AS the floor and the actors "see" it some where else. But I also know that I will not be directing it - so all of your comments are fair and sounds like we can move on from this script.
I have seen several productions of this play over the years, and while I enjoyed them it is not favorite script. I can't really think of a good reason to do this one. But one certain reason to not do it is that it has only three characters and all of them are men, at that. So, it's a "no" for me.
From Don: Art
While I agree the location of the painting would be a challenge with this script, I don’t think it is the biggest challenge. This script gives off a misogynistic vibe. It’s a three-man play. There is misogynistic dialogue from all three of them. And no one calls out that dialogue as a terrible thing to say. “…buggered around by all these women?” “Women problems.” “Hysterical.” Etc. I can understand why this play has been popular for a long time. It is witty and creates a conversation about toxic masculinity and elitism/snobbery. But if TRP wants to be seen as an inclusive theatre that values equity, I would suggest staying away from plays like this. Producing a play like this sends a bad message. There are plenty of witty plays with social commentary out there. We don’t need to pick the ones that feel like a boys-only club.
Post a Comment
<< Home