ART – A Page to Stage Play Script Reading

ART’ a play written by Yasmina Reza and Christopher Hampton

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.

Winner of the 1998 Tony Award for Best Play. Winner of the 1996 Olivier Award for Best Comedy. “…wildly funny, naughtily provocative…” —NY Post. “…a nonstop cross-fire of crackling language, serious issues of life and art expressed in outbursts that sound like Don Rickles with a degree from the Sorbonne…Reza is a fiendishly clever writer…’ART’ sounds like a marriage of Molière and Woody Allen…” —Newsweek. “Anyone looking for a play that is funny, sophisticated, stylish, stimulating and moving should go to ‘ART’.” —Independent (London

ART is one of our scripts in our Page-To-Stage Play Reading Series

Professional actors take the stage and perform a play, ON-SCRIPT. Lifting the characters off the page. This enhances the audience experience: the true craft of the actor and the playwright’s words. No sets, costumes, lighting or sound effects. THE ESSENCE OF THE PERFORMING ARTS. An introduction to each play is provided by our company dramaturg – background of the play and playwright, along with poignant facts and tidbits are shared prior to the performance.

We are partnering with Muskoka Chautauqua for this performance. Donations of $30 of more to Muskoka Chautauqua will receive a charitable receipt. This additional support will encourage more performing arts in Muskoka Lakes.

There is a wine/cheese reception prior to our presentation.

Admission is PAY WHAT YOU THOUGHT (let us know what you thought of our presentation with a donation after experiencing it! Also, for charity donations over $30 to Muskoka Chautauqua a tax receipt will be given.)

SEATING IS LIMITED TO 60 FOR THIS PERFORMANCE – RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED.