Get ready to laugh, cringe, and maybe even question your own friendships—because the 'wickedly funny' play Art is back, and it’s stirring up more than just a few uncomfortable truths. Imagine this: a hundred and sixty thousand euros for a painting that’s just a white rectangle. Sounds outrageous, right? But here’s where it gets controversial: is it the art that’s absurd, or our reactions to it? This is the question at the heart of Yasmina Reza’s 1994 satire, now brought to life in a new Australian production starring Richard Roxburgh, Damon Herriman, and Toby Schmitz.
The story kicks off with Marc’s jaw-dropping reaction to Serge’s pricey purchase, sparking an explosive argument that threatens to shatter their decades-long friendship. And this isn’t just about a painting—it’s about identity, loyalty, and the unspoken rules of male camaraderie. And this is the part most people miss: beneath the humor lies a profound exploration of what happens when someone in your circle changes, challenging the very dynamics that hold you together.
This isn’t the first time Art has graced the stage. It’s been a hit on Broadway with stars like Neil Patrick Harris and James Corden, and in London with Rufus Sewell and Paul Ritter. But this Australian version, translated by Christopher Hampton and directed by Lee Lewis, feels particularly fresh. Roxburgh plays the sharp-tongued Marc, Herriman the status-conscious Serge, and Schmitz the peacemaker Yvan. Together, they dissect the fragility of friendship with razor-sharp wit and raw emotion.
What makes this production even more intriguing? The cast are real-life friends, having worked together for decades. Roxburgh and Schmitz last shared the stage in The Present, while Herriman stepped in for Schmitz in The Wild Duck years ago. This history of trust is crucial, as Schmitz points out: ‘You can’t act without trust, especially when your character is wounding another.’ But don’t think their offstage bond makes the onstage tension any less intense. In fact, it amplifies it, giving the play a layer of authenticity that’s hard to ignore.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: In an age where technology often mediates our relationships, does Art hold a mirror to how we’ve lost the art of face-to-face conflict resolution? Roxburgh seems to think so. He reflects on the 90s setting of the play, where characters couldn’t hide behind screens. ‘There’s a beauty in having to solve problems as human beings,’ he says. In today’s world of silos and trenches, this message feels more urgent than ever.
But let’s not forget the lighter side. The cast’s real-life friendships add a layer of humor and warmth. Herriman jokes about his rule of buying art from his friends’ relatives, while Schmitz dreams of winning the lottery to buy a Norman Rockwell painting. Even Roxburgh admits to once dismissing abstract art, only to have a gallery experience change his mind entirely.
As Art tours Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Adelaide, it arrives at a time when discussions about male loneliness are more relevant than ever. Studies show men, especially those in their 50s and 60s, are increasingly isolated. Schmitz wonders if this has always been the case, or if it’s a modern phenomenon. What do you think? Is male loneliness a new issue, or have men always struggled to express vulnerability?
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a theater lover, or just someone who values friendship, Art promises to entertain, challenge, and maybe even inspire. So, here’s the final question: If your friend spent a fortune on something you thought was ridiculous, would you tell them? Or would you keep the peace? Let us know in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss.
