Art and the appreciation of it is subjective, so they say. ‘They’ also say beauty is in the eye of the beholder, which is the catalyst for climax in the deliciously and deeply layered ART by Yasmina Reza (translated by Christopher Hampton).

Playing at Adelaide’s Her Majesty’s Theatre for a limited season between 20 – 24 May, the three hander, directed by Lee Lewis features Richard Roxburgh (Moulin Rouge, Elvis, Rake), Damon Herriman (Better Man, Judy & Punch, The Tourist) and Toby Schmitz (Hamlet Camp, Grief is the Thing With Feathers, The Empress Murders (novel published by Allen & Unwin)) and explores the nature of rapture and rupture in the art of friendship.

Marc (Roxburgh), Serge (Herriman) and Ivan (Schmitz) are longtime friends whose lives and careers have taken them in different directions and while they do have a mutual appreciation for art, there is irony in the lack of appreciation they have for each other’s artistic preferences.

Using sharp comedy, intelligent writing and beautifully observed human behaviour, ART begins as a simple disagreement over a very expensive piece of modern art and quickly turns into a commentary on friendship, culture, class, tolerance and taste. Serge buys and loves a piece of art, but Marc thinks it’s a case of the emperor’s new clothes and turns to Ivan to rally him to mutually mock Serge. But Ivan’s chronic people pleasing and fence-sitting is the accelerant that sparks a fire that has been ready to ignite for years. Things unravel and for a completely captivating 90 minute duration (no interval), we delve into a deep, hilarious and engaging exploration of friendship, ego, masculinity and the tiny moments of resentment that fester and simmer beneath long-term relationships.

There is no question of Richard Roxburgh, Damon Herriman and Toby Schmitz’s talents, but the chemistry between them is what creates the true magic in the play. The dynamics, the fluidity of exchange and the ping-ponging loyalties create tension and comedy, balancing laugh-out-loud moments with genuine vulnerability. Believe me when I say there was not one single dull moment. Not one lull in the script, nor the performance.

I found myself wondering in what era the play was set, but it didn’t really matter. The concept and the discussion are timeless. The underlying resentment and ego in friendship, the fear of being left behind, the idea of snobbery and classism in high art matched with the snobbery and elitism in modern art and complemented by the iconoclastic absurdism and snobbery of abstract art… it was relatable and thought-provoking.

A handsome set (Charles Davis) and clever lighting (Paul Jackson) bring the play to life, switching scenes and themes seamlessly, but also giving the audience plenty to think about. There are layers upon layers to unravel over post-show dinner and drinks.

With many laughs and many moments to pause and reflect, ART is funny, clever and moving. The performances are flawless. Catch it while you can.

Book HERE

By Libby Trainor Parker