The NOLA Project and the New Orleans Museum of Art have teamed up for an innovative production that combines the essential ingredients each has to offer: the highest quality acting by the most imaginative young turks on the theatrical scene and the Great Hall stage within a massive world-class art museum on which to showcase their work.
With "Art" by French playwright Yasmina Reza, The NOLA Project has breathed new life into a decidely French script that is nearly two decades old. In an unusual decision and to keep things fresh, the six actors who portray Marc, Serge and Yvan are alternating their appearances so that different casts will be seen at all eight performances. The two actors who play Marc are A. J. Allegra and Richard Alexander Pomes. Jason Kirkpatrick and Michael Aaron Santos portray Serge, while James Bartelle and Alex Martinez Wallace play Yvan.
The focus of the play begins on the object d'arte - a white on white painting - by an iconoclastic abstract artist whose reputation may have exceeded his talent. Marc, who learns of the cost of the painting (Fr200,000) is aghast that his friend Serge, a dermatologist who can well afford it, has shelled out that kind of cash for something he considers vile and unredeeming. Serge is apalled at his longtime friend's animus towards him and his purchase. Their mutual friend Yvan wants nothing else than to make peace between the two as his own life spirals out of control, his impending wedding looming large. The only solace Yvan finds in life is the time that passes between the three of them. In trying to please both of the others he only succeeds in getting Marc and Serge angry at him for his lack of commitment. Thus, the play is really less than about a work of art (or not). It is really about the tenuous relationships between the three and their co-dependent dysfunctionality.
Marc is less angry about the purchase of the painting than the simple fact that Serge has taken the initiative to make the purchase without his approval. He is incensed that Serge may be thinking for himself. Yvan, hoping to quell the rift between the two, tells each of them that he is siding with them. Instead of taking a side, he backpedals and vacillates without considering the effect his spinelessness will have on them as well as on him.
Reza's clever lines heighten the tension. She writes for the male voice with astuteness. There is almost a parry and thrust between Marc and Serge as they seek out new ways to belittle the other. Each accuses the other of being snobbish or lacking the ability to understand true art. Yvan's comical dealings with the other two is the free radical in the mix. Director Kate Kuen's casting and insightful direction is also worthy of acknowledgment.
"Art" runs Friday nights August 19 and 26 at 8:00 p.m. and on Sunday afternoons August 21 and 28 at 3:00 p.m.
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