ART

By Yasmina Reza

Directed by Francisco Torres

A translation of a French-language play, Art is set in Paris and revolves around a discussion between three friends--Serge, Marc and Yvan. When Serge buys a large and very expensive painting for 200,000 francs. However, the canvas is completely white with just a few white lines. While Serge is very proud of his latest painting, the reaction of his friends does not mirror his own sentiments. Marc responds with shock and anger, labeling it as a “piece of white sh#t”. But does he dislike the painting, or Serge’s independent thought? In turn, Yvan acts as the peacemaker, trying to mediate the hostility between his friends. While he laughs about the ridiculous nature of the painting with Marc, he also reassures Serge that he likes the white canvas. However, his attempts at brokering peace fail and Serge and Marc’s anger is redirected him. As the discussion moves from the theoretical to the personal, the three friends are forced to ask questions not only about the nature of art, but about the nature of friendship. As they attack each other about their various personal failures, can Serge, Marc, and Yvan risk ruining their friendship forever.

Produced by Madison Theatre Guild at Bartell Theatre's Evjue Stage, 113 E. Mifflin St., Madison

Performances: November 4-13, 2021

Performance Times:
Thursday, November 4, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, November 5, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 6, 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 7, 2 p.m.
Wednesday, November 10, 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 11, 7:30 p.m.
Friday, November 12, 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, November 13, 2 p.m.

Ticket Prices: $20

Call 608-661-9696 for reservations or more information.

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Auditions

Auditions will be held on the following days:

9/22/2021

CHARACTERS:

Marc (30-60). An engineer and an intellectual, the pompous Marc is a self-proclaimed aesthete who, somewhat contradictorily, has trouble seeing the meaning in much of modern art. When his friend Serge buys a two-hundred-thousand-franc all-white painting by the obscure artist Antrios, Marc’s world begins to go topsy-turvy as he reckons with the fact that his attempts to educate Serge in the ways of art appreciation and aesthetics have, in his estimation, failed completely.

Serge (30-60). a well-to-do dermatologist who is divorced from his wife and is only occasionally allowed to see his children, has relied for years on his close friendship with Marc and, to a lesser degree, Yvan, to provide him with company and comfort. When Serge, influenced by Marc’s aesthetic obsessions but desirous of making a statement about his artistic tastes that is entirely his own, purchases a two-hundred-and-twenty-thousand-franc all-white painting by the obscure artist Antrios, he (perhaps unknowingly) sets up an enormous test, which it seems his and Marc’s friendship may not pass.

Yvan (30-60). The meekest of the trio, Yvan works at a stationery company that belongs to his fiancée’s uncle. He is drawn into the argument between Marc and Serge as a kind of referee when Marc asks Yvan to take a look at the painting and confirm how ridiculous and offensive Marc thinks it is. Yvan, however, finds himself moved by the painting. He is then caught between his two more ego-driven, competition-hungry friends as they attempt to one-up one another and get to the root of how completely differently they see the painting.

Covid Response: To best protect our staff, participants, families, and friends we are requiring masks to be worn by all audience members over the age of 2 at all indoor gatherings. Additionally, we are currently requiring proof of vaccination or a negative test within the past three days to attend our events. All cast and crew will require vaccination. Rehearsal protocols will be discussed at auditions. Our policies will be reviewed as situations evolve. Thank you for your understanding as we all continue to navigate these challenging times.

Auditions: September 22: 7:00pm – 10:00pm -- at the Madison Theatre Guild Firehouse, 2410 Monroe Street.
IF YOU CAN'T MAKE IT ON THIS DAY, send an email to the director at drknknight@hotmail.com

Casting Decisions: Casting decisions will be made as soon as possible. Please be patient. We will contact everyone by phone or e-mail. In addition, the cast list will be posted on the Madison Theatre Guild website and on Facebook shortly after people are notified.

Schedule: First rehearsal will be October 10, 2021, at 7:30 pm. (There may be a possible Read Through earlier) Rehearsals will generally run Sunday through Thursdays, 7:30 – 10:00, at the Madison Theatre Guild Firehouse – 2410 Monroe Street. This is a very short rehearsal period, so minimizing conflicts will be important.