The above line is the catalyst for the plot of the play ART. The hit comedy which centred around 3 friends, Serge, Marc and Yvan, as they have a rapidly escalating disagreement revolving around the Antrios, a €200,000 white painting that Serge bought. Marc (played by Aden Gillett) is absolutely appalled that Serge (played by Chris Harper) spent so much on what he deems “a piece of shit” and makes that abundantly clear, seemingly upsetting Serge in the process.
They both approach Yvan (played by Seann Walsh) on this white painting, who dances around his true opinion to protect their feelings. This results in Yvan being a
mediator as the disagreement between Serge and Marc escalates. As the argument reaches its climax, we discover that the white painting is a symbol for how these men have grown and changed over the 15 years of being friends to the point that they may no longer be compatible as friends.
The cast of ART. From left to right ~ Aden Gillett as Marc, Chris Harper as Serge & Seann Walsh as Yvan. Image Credit: ART, Theatre South East & The Guardian
This poignant, hilariously bittersweet take on how long-term friendships change and possibly terminate over time was originally written by Yasmina Reza and premiered at Comédie des Champs-Élysées in Paris on 28th October 1994. Since then, it has been translated into English by Christopher Hampton, won numerous awards including 1997 Laurence Olivier for Best New Comedy, 1998 New York Drama Critics’ Circle for Best Play and 1998 Tony Award for Best Play and has been running on the West End from 1996 to 2003 then again from 2016 to 2017, on Broadway from 1998 to 1999, in Australia from April to June 1999. The show went on a UK tour in 2018 and is now celebrating its 30th anniversary by once again embarking on
a UK Tour and is currently being shown in Sheffield at the Lyceum Theatre from 22nd October to 26th October 2024.
Currently being directed by Iqbal Khan, this version of the play has a stunning set and light design. With an ingenious rotating set which switches between the three characters’ homes with folding backdrops and vertical light strips that use the colours used to characterise the three friends – blue for Serge, red for Marc and yellow for Yvan. Though in theory the concept of the set design is truly magnificent, in practicality, it was sometimes difficult to differentiate between the set of certain scenes due to how quickly they shifted from one character’s home to another since the scenes so seamlessly blended.
Image Credit: Geraint Lewis
Speaking of scenes, it should be noted that this play does not utilise the act structure. Instead, it is “broken into” scenes which seamlessly flow into one another, often linked by spotlit asides. The asides were a favourite of mine as they gave a much-needed insight into the feelings of the characters that would otherwise not be shared with the friends to spare feelings.
Another standout was Yvan’s monologue regarding his stresses planning of a matrimony with a rather hysterical fiancé (whom we never meet). In fact, this monologue resonated with the entire audience as it was responded to with a roaring applause. I’d even go as far as to say Seann Walsh’s performance altogether was a fan favourite. However, all three actors performed fabulously as they harmonised beautifully with well timed, witty and sharp deliverance of their lines.
This feel good, hilarious 1 hour and 20-minute play is truly worth a trip to the Lyceum before October 26th as it evokes deep thoughts on growth and friendship whilst you hold your stomach laughing.
Rating: ★★★★☆
ART played at the Lyceum Theatre from October 22nd to 26th
