ART at Deep Cove Shaw Theatre

ART is a comedy written by Yasmina Reza about three friends whose relationship is tested after one of them, Serge, buys a large, expensive, and mostly white painting. The play explores how their differing reactions to the painting — Serge’s pride, Marc’s disdain, and Yvan’s attempts to mediate — bring their insecurities, ego, and the very nature of their long-standing friendship to the forefront. The central conflict escalates into a comedic battle of wits and ideas, ultimately forcing them to confront the value of art versus the value of their friendship.

French writer and actress Yasmina Reza wrote ART and it premiered in 1995 in Paris. It was later translated to English by Christopher Hampton. The play has garnered many awards including the Molière Award for Best Commercial Production in 1995, The Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy in 1997, Best Play from the New York Drama Critic’s Circle for Best Play in 1998, a Tony Award in 1998 and that same year Evening Standards Award for Best Comedy.

ART is directed by Jim Hebb for First Impressions Theatre and stars Cameron McDonald, Derek Green and Mark Gash.