How much would you pay for a white painting? Would it matter who the painter was? Would it be “art”? One of Marc’s best friends, Serge, has just bought a very expensive painting. It’s about five feet by four, all white with white diagonal lines. To Marc, the painting is a joke, but Serge insists Marc doesn’t have the proper standard to judge the work. Another friend, Ivan, though burdened by his own problems, allows himself to be pulled into this disagreement. Eager to please, Ivan tells Serge he likes the painting. Lines are drawn, and these old friends square off over the canvas, using it as an excuse to relentlessly batter one another over various failures.
Christopher Hampton’s translation of Yasmina Reza’s ‘Art’ premiered at Wyndham’s Theatre in London on 15 October 1996. Directed by Matthew Warchus, the production featured Albert Finney, Tom Courtenay and Ken Stott. On 1 March 1998, the play premiered on Broadway at the Royale Theatre. Directed by Warchus, the Broadway production featured Alan Alda, Victor Garber and Alfred Molina.