The Price We Pay for Art

by Frank Furnari, New Rep Reviewer

'ART' explores the relationship between three longtime friends and how the dynamics of their relationship change when one of them acquires an interesting piece of art. 'ART' won the Tony Award for best play in 1998; the show later went on tour and played Boston in 2000. Twelve years later, it is back in the area in New Rep’s new production and except for the references to French francs, the play still feels new.

‘ART’ opens with Serge (Robert Walsh) alone on stage admiring his new painting by Antrios (the artist must be famous when he’s known by just one name, right?), which he bought for 200,000 francs. The painting is an unframed canvas with a white background and white lines on it. The painting is “plain, at the same time magnetic” and “artificial light doesn’t do it justice.” Serge admires the painting from every angle and is giddy at his recent acquisition. Marc (Robert Pemberton) arrives and is asked his opinion of the painting; Marc does not take kindly to his friend's recent purchase and views it akin to a personal insult. Later, Yvan (Doug Lockwood) visits, Serge gets a much more positive reaction. When the three men get together, we see each man's true emotions come out and learn what they really think of each other. 

The play asks questions about what constitutes art and its value. Art is also used to represent each character, we get to see three very different pieces of artwork, and each has its own significance. How much value do we place on the painter’s fame and name recognition? The artwork is also a vehicle to questions about the three men and their relationships. Through harsh words and humor we learn more about each man's situation. 

'ART' is also a good counterpoint to “God of Carnage” – Reza’s other Tony Award-winning play running in town, and as the basis of the new movie “Carnage.” While there are similarities between them and both are great works, ‘ART’ draws you in more, the characters feel more relate-able, and it does not rely as much on the physical, almost slapstick comedy. 

Director Antonio Ocampo-Guzman assembles a great cast with chemistry – it really appears that they have been friends for fifteen years. The actors also do a good job at drawing in the audience. One could see this on opening night where during one scene audible gasps came from the audience in response to one of the character's actions. It's little things like this that help make live theater fun.