Art, The Barn, Southwick, August 13 (From The Argus)

Art, The Barn, Southwick, August 13

3:30pm Monday 16th August 2010 in

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Art, a play without a plot, could easily be described as a 90-minute argument but it is much more. It is an entertaining and extremely funny play involving three old friends whose intellectual squabbling looks at friendship and its betrayal as it debates the question, “What is Art?”

The purchase of a large white canvas provides the catalyst for an emotional earthquake that shakes the foundations of their relationship. The writer cleverly depicts the shifting alliances formed throughout the play.

Serge is desperate for validation from his friends over his purchase, but it is not forthcoming from Marc, his one-time mentor, who feels betrayed when Serge becomes influenced by a circle of other people.

Yvan, a peace-making fence-sitter, is neurotic and disorganised in contrast with his two cerebral friends. Like them he possesses a volatile nature that comes to the surface when provoked.

The play, directed with understanding and sympathy by John Garland, gives the three cast members scope to show off their talent.

Mark Best played Marc with such passion that one feared the emotional pressure within him would cause him to explode. By contrast Rols Ham-Richer made Serge a more cynical figure, ever defensive of his wounded pride. His facial expressions were a comic delight.

As the shambolic Yvan, Ryan Lainchbury drew the audience’s admiration for his mounting hysteria as he recounted the telephone conversations with his mother.

The transition between place and time was effectively achieved through creative lighting, although the use of overlong blackouts was questionable.