Art - Lusting for Stronger Performances

Art is a bona fide international monster hit play.  Written in the early 1990s, its impressive pedigree includes a premiere in Paris followed by runs in London, New York, Berlin, Moscow, Madrid, Lima, Hong Kong, Prague and Stuttgart.

The show even was produced by Vancouver's own Arts Club in the 2000-01 season.  With intriguing roles for three older men, many of the world's finest actors have tackled this script.  Which is why it PUZZLES me to no end that three young actors in Vancouver decided to produce this show for Vancouver's 2008 Fringe Festival.  All three characters should be in their 50s.  I didn't believe these twenty-something actors as erudite Frenchmen for one split second.  Telling a simple story of three friends who fight over whether a white painting purchased by one is truly art, this play demands strong performances.  What I witnessed had all the earnestness of a high school acting exercise – but unfortunately none of the actors are my child.  I enjoyed the chance to hear this script, but it just left me wanting to see a production where the cast was made up of senior actors who could imbue these characters with amazing onstage life.  

For more information swan over here.