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Stars Clash Over Controversial Painting
20 Feb
Summary
- Play explores friendship dynamics through a painting dispute.
- Beloved Australian actors star in this production.
- The play satirizes art appreciation and male friendships.
Yasmina Reza's 1994 play "Art," now touring Australia, features prominent actors Richard Roxburgh, Damon Herriman, and Toby Schmitz. The production, co-produced by State Theatre Company South Australia, is playing in Sydney before heading to Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide.
The play centers on a €160,000 purchase of a seemingly white canvas by Serge, which incenses his friend Marc, who prefers landscapes. This disagreement escalates into a broader conflict about friendship, elitism, and male insecurities.
Directed by Lee Lewis, the production is noted for its crowd-pleasing approach and the actors' evident enjoyment on stage. However, the review posits that the play, while funny, tends to shy away from genuine emotional depth.
Despite the comedic elements and strong performances, the piece is critiqued for avoiding deeper engagement with its themes, focusing more on jokes than on exploring the characters' feelings. The audience on opening night responded enthusiastically with applause and a standing ovation.
