Art (Reza)
by Penfold Theatre Company

Nov. 02 - Nov. 18, 2023
Thursdays-Sundays

How much would you pay for a painting that was a white canvas? Would it be “art”? What would your friends think of it –and of you, for buying it?

When Serge purchases an all-white painting for a small fortune, his longtime friendship with Marc and Yvan is put to the test. As the arguments quickly go from theoretical to personal to confrontational and friendship hangs in the balance, the question becomes: how much is a painting worth? Behind the award-winning comedy, the play grabs us between laughs to ask poignant questions about the meaning of art and friendship.

‘Art’ won the Olivier Award for Best Comedy and the Tony Award for Best Play.

                       "Anyone looking for a play that is funny, sophisticated, stylish, stimulating and moving should go to Art.”  – Independent (London).

Originally produced by Penfold in 2008 as the production launching their theatre company, ‘Art’  by Yamina Reza returns as a salute to their 15th anniversary. Director Steven Pounders and Penfold founders Ryan Crowder and Nathan Jerkins return from the original production. The cast is rounded out by longtime Penfold collaborator Kareem Badr.

 

Michael Barnes's review, Austin-American Statesman, November 8, 2023

Jasmine Lane's review, Austin Chronicle, November 9, 2023

 

 

“In 2008, Penfold mounted 'Art' for its inaugural production. The play uses Seinfeld-like humor to ask how we define art and how we measure its value. It also holds up three friends who have known each other for fifteen years to explore how people change over time and how their relationships must change with them,” said Penfold Co-Artistic Director Ryan Crowder. “Well, it's been fifteen years since that production, and we've done a lot of changing, too, particularly in the past few years. As a company, we're reflecting on those changes and asking what they mean for our relationship with our audience and, of course, our art. Through that lens, it feels like the perfect time to revisit this hilarious and poignant work.”

Written by Yasmina Reza and translated from French by Christopher Hampton, ‘Art’ is directed by Steven Pounders. The production team includes costume design by Glenda Wolfe, sound design by Lowell Bartholomee, lighting design by Jacqueline Sindelar, set and properties design by Desi Roybal, Nathaniel Williams as technical director, and Stephanie Delk as stage manager.

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Art (Reza)
by Yasmina Reza
Penfold Theatre Company

November 2–18, 2023

Thursdays – Saturdays at 7:30 pm; Sundays at 5:00 pm

Ground Floor Theatre | 979 Springdale Rd, Unit 122 | Austin, TX | 78702

Special Events for Art:

·  Saturday Soiree, November 4.  Celebrate opening weekend with the cast and creative team. Food, drinks and post-show fun are included in the price of your ticket.

General admission $34, VIP $36, students $19, including service fees. Available online at Penfold Theatre's website: click HERE.