A high-profile play explores the complexities of male friendship, but is it a masterpiece or a dodgy soap? The play 'Art' is a hilarious yet thought-provoking piece, starring Richard Roxburgh, Damon Herriman, and Toby Schmitz. It delves into the story of three friends: Marc, Serge, and Yvan, whose bond is tested by Serge's peculiar art purchase.
The play begins with a shocking question from Marc: "You paid a hundred and sixty thousand euros for this?" referring to Serge's new acquisition, a seemingly plain white rectangle painting. This sets the stage for an intense argument, revealing the power dynamics and emotional depth of their friendship. The production has seen success on Broadway and in London, and now, an Australian translation by Christopher Hampton brings it to local audiences.
Roxburgh, known for his role in 'The Correspondent', plays the outspoken Marc. Herriman, from 'Together', portrays the status-conscious Serge, and Schmitz, who starred in 'Gaslight', takes on the role of the timid Yvan. Roxburgh describes the play as an examination of what happens when someone in a friendship group does something unexpected, challenging the dynamics of their bond.
The cast's connection goes beyond the stage. Schmitz and his peers at NIDA once eagerly passed around a worn-out photocopy of the script, dreaming of performing it one day. Now, years later, they have the chance. The play, according to Schmitz, is part of a 90s trend of intelligent men being cruel to each other, but it stands out for its beauty and its core theme of friendship.
These actors are not just colleagues but real-life friends, adding depth to their performances. Roxburgh and Schmitz previously worked together in 'The Present', while Herriman and Roxburgh have a history on the TV series 'Rake'. This shared history fosters a strong foundation of trust, crucial when their characters hurl insults at each other.
Schmitz emphasizes the importance of trust in acting, and Herriman believes that a shared sense of humor, honesty, and trust are the secrets to lasting friendships. Roxburgh agrees, adding patience to the mix, but he also has a request for his friends: to hold off on their honest opinions about the play until much later. He values their feedback but doesn't want it to affect his performance.
The play also touches on the actors' personal relationships with art. Roxburgh admits he once struggled to appreciate Mark Rothko's abstract works, but a gallery visit changed his perspective. Herriman collects art from friends and their relatives, while Schmitz, who once earned well from American TV, invested in paintings. Now, he dreams of winning the lottery to buy iconic art or support emerging artists.
'Art' is particularly relevant in today's society, where the 'male loneliness epidemic' is a growing concern. Men are found to rely heavily on their female partners for emotional support, and older men experience higher levels of social isolation. Schmitz acknowledges the play's resonance with this issue but believes it transcends time, raising questions about men's historical reluctance to express emotions.
Roxburgh, however, is more intrigued by the impact of technology on modern friendships. He reflects on the 1990s, a time when people had to talk face-to-face without the distraction of smartphones. The play's setting in the 90s forces the characters to confront their friendship issues head-on, a beautiful aspect according to Roxburgh. He believes that in an era where people are increasingly divided, the play's message about the importance of friendship and resolving conflicts is more crucial than ever.
'Art', a play that makes you laugh and think, is currently showing in Sydney and will soon tour other Australian cities. But here's the question: Is it a profound exploration of friendship, or just a witty comedy? What do you think? Share your thoughts and let the discussion begin!
