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Show: Art
Society: Richmond Theatre (professional)
Venue: Richmond Theatre
Credits: by Yasmina Reza. Translated by Christopher Hamption. Produced by David Pugh and Dafydd Rogers
Type: Sardines
Author: Chris Abbott
Performance Date: 04/03/2019
‘Art’
Chris Abbott | 05 Mar 2019 09:40am
ART – Stephen Tompkinson, Nigel Havers & Denis Lawson. Photo: Matt Crockett
There must be few modern plays that have been seen as often as Yasmina Reza’s ART, touring once again and with another experienced and expert trio of actors. Christopher Hampton’s translation of the original is directed here by Ellie Jones, based on the Old Vic production, and more than twenty years after the play’s premiere it still appears fresh and relevant.
Famously, this translation was accused by the author of turning her “funny tragedy” into a comedy, and there are many laughs here, but it is the humour of recognition rather than absurdity, and all delivered at a pace which denotes that these are old friends. Much of the humour comes from the interactions between these very believable Frenchman, with Denis Lawson’s Marc as the apparent sceptic when faced with the mysteries of conceptual art. His bewilderment and exasperation are expertly conveyed and he makes the most of the key moment when the canvas is modified.
Nigel Havers has many years of experience playing Serge, and this is a sophisticated and subtle portrayal of a man who is not as confident as he first appears. Completing the trio is Stephen Tomkinson, returning to the role of Yvan and scoring a particular success here in portraying the mounting frustration of his character with the unseen family members causing him difficulties.
All this is played out against Mark Thompson’s set, itself contributing in no small way to the play, and the subtle lighting from Hugh Vanstone combines with Gary Yershon’s music to denote the passing of time and change of locale, or the shift from dialogue and repartee to internal monologue.
It is easy to see why this play has stayed in the repertoire for so long, especially when seen in a production as skilled as this one; it filled the Richmond Theatre on the first night of the run and deserves to do the same as it tours to Cheltenham, Shrewsbury and Aberdeen. An expert production with a talented cast of a play that has earned its status as a modern classic.
- : admin
- : 04/03/2019