Art

Playing 18-23 September 2023

Set in Paris, this comedic play revolves around Serge, Marc, and Yvan -- long-time mates whose lives are in varying states of crises...

Yvan, the people-pleaser, is having an horrendous time juggling a fiancee, mother, stepmother, and future mother-in-law in the run up to his wedding, whilst navigating a major career change. Just the time when he'd value the wise counsel of his best friends.

Aeronautical engineer Marc, is experiencing health anxieties, which are exacerbated by his relationship with Paula, who, although never present, seems to exert an unseen, but not altogether benign, influence in his life.

Serge, outwardly successful in his career as a dermatologist, has confounded his friends by the purchase of a very expensive piece of artwork that is totally blank and is dismayed by his friends' reactions.

Unsurprisingly, fissures appear in the fabric of their relationship and as we witness their often hilarious attempts to repair these, we share the emotions, feelings and fears that this strange artwork generates. The final resolution is shocking, but perhaps inevitable.

The original French language play, by Yazmina Reza, premiered in 1994 in Paris. The English language adaptation, translated by Christopher Hampton opened on the West End in 1996.
Our production is directed by Jo Kearns, and will be the Hurst Players' entry into the Brighton and Hove Arts Council Drama Awards.