Triumph of style and substance, Chesil Theatre, Winchester
By Anne Waggott
ART explores the catastrophic effect on three friends, Serge, Marc, and
Yvan, when Serge purchases an expensive work of abstract art: a large painting
consisting of white lines on a white canvas. As the men engage in an ongoing
debate over the painting’s value, emotions run high and the conflict escalates,
threatening to destroy a long-standing friendship.
Ideally suited to the intimate venue, this was a triumph of style and substance:
a dramatically effective white box-set and props (enhanced by symbolic lighting)
was the perfect backdrop for three performances of real integrity, focus and
empathy as the dynamics and allegiances within the trio’s relationships shifted.
Garth Wright (Marc) in particular had magnificent conversational tones during
his monologues with commanding stage presence, resonating the truth of his
character.
Outstanding direction ensured first-rate pace and characterisations. Not for the
faint-hearted, but an absorbing and provocative play performed with excellent
poignancy and style. |
