Three men trashing a 10-year friendship over a blank painting doesn't quite seem logical, but Mark Edward Waterman (Marc), Samuel Cohen (Serge) and Marc Carver (Yvan) from Arkansas Repertory Theatre managed to pull it off.
The company's production of "Art" took the Emens Auditorium stage Tuesday night.
"Art," a 1998 Tony Award-winning play by Yasmina Reza focuses on three men who, after a long night of arguing, nearly destroy their friendship because of a $200,000 painting. This painting consists of a white background with white lines going across it and diagonally.
Serge, the purchaser of this painting, finds himself in a heated confrontation with his long-time friend Marc, who drags Yvan, a mutual friend, into the conflict. Yvan has his own problems because of his upcoming wedding and problems with his future in-laws.
What was impressive about this show was the simplicity, use of stage props and the fact there were only three cast members. The stage was set up to look like a living room consisting of white furniture and a small table.
The argument between these three men was as simple as the props at first, but then became much more intense as current wives, other relationships and past conversations get dragged into the debate.
The main confrontation begins when the three men are supposed to go to the movies and to dinner. Yvan, known for his tardiness, shows up more than 45 minutes late.
Probably the most dynamic character by far has to be Yvan because of the way he is torn, not only between his two fighting friends but also between his future bride and her stepmother and an argument about wedding invitations.
A funny moment in the play was Yvan's confession about his true opinion of the painting.
Tired of trying to remain neutral and mending the broken friendship between Marc and Serge, Yvan finally blurts out that the painting is worthless.
This gets laughs from both Marc and the audience, but Serge responds in anger.
The funniest moment of the production, however, was still to come.
The best part had to be toward the end when, in a desperate attempt to prove the painting is actually a work of art, Serge hands Marc a blue, felt-tip marker and encourages him to draw on the painting.
Finally, the painting with absolutely no substance now had a recognizable subject.
This was something unexpected at the end of the play, and something to which the audience reacted well, laughing hysterically at Marc's stick-figure drawing.
Serge, Marc and Yvan eventually work to reconstruct their friendship by conducting a "trial period" to clear the air.
Actors in the play obviously knew their characters well and portrayed them with energy and enthusiasm. It was easy to believe these three guys really hated each other and were actually angry about this painting.
This may have been because they have been touring the country with this show, but the work these men have put into this award-winning play was more than evident.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
