Art

Art

Art

Art

Art

Overview

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. As their arguments become less theoretical and more personal, they border on destroying their relationship. At the breaking point, Serge hands Marc a felt tip pen and dares him: “Go on.” The friendship is finally tested, and the aftermath affirms the power of those bonds.

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Details

  • Time Period: Contemporary, Present Day
  • Cast Attributes: All Men
  • Target Audience: Adult

Authors

Christopher Hampton

Christopher Hampton became involved in theatre while studying French and German at Oxford University, and wrote a play in his first year.

The Royal Court's subsequent production was so successful that it transferred to the Comedy Theatre while he was still a student, making hi ...

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