ART the play is a comedic three-hander currently running at the Roslyn Packer Theatre that is proving a hit with the audiences.
French writer Yasmina Reza’s 1994 play explores the tensions the erupt between three long-time friends, Serge, Marc and Yvan, when Serge (Damon Herriman) introduces the other two to his latest art acquisition, a large canvas of pure white paint, but most importantly, with some faint, less white lines.
Marc (Richard Roxburgh) immediately takes umbrage at the considerable purchase, questioning what is “art”, but above all he is taken aback by his friend’s departure in decision making.
Marc immediately bursts into a monologue about Serge and his purchase, which he refers to as a “piece of white shit” that does not conform to what two of the group consider to be “art”.
Yvan (Toby Schmitz), the goofy character who at first appears to be the weak link in this hetero-threesome, sees value in the purchase, which only inflames the disagreements further.
At the same time, Yvan also introduces a subplot when he discusses his upcoming wedding, in which Marc and Serge have major roles to play.
The question early on in the play is not if the disputed work will be validated, but if the friendships will survive, particularly after everyone’s inner most being are eviscerated in soul searing exchanges.
The cast of ART bring to the stage one of the finest examples of ensemble work seen in ages, moving effortlessly from moments of tenderness through to anger and rough-house play as they struggle for recognition within their relationships.
As the protagonists take turns with monologues explaining their individual stances on the arts and each other, Yvan’s turn about half way through the play is worth the price of admission alone.
Since it was first staged in Paris in 1994, ART has been in constant productions around the world since, including the 1999 Sydney production featuring Tom Conti, Geoff Morrell and David Wenham.
Translated by Christopher Hampton, its appeal at times seems questionable and dated, as the object of the controversy (abstract painting) has long lost its relevance, and a lot of the laughs from the audience over this subject seem laboured.
Director Lee Lewis has wisely focussed on the characters and their innate strengths, which are well matched, and save it from becoming melodramatic or drowning under pretensions.
Set and costume design from Charles Davis is exemplary with each character well defined by their choice of outfit that also tells us how they want the world to see them.
A simple set of three wall features and a trucked side boy, with effective lighting changes from Paul Jackson, make for easy defined location changes for the actors.
This Rodney Rigby, Marriner Group, Paul Wheelton AM and State Theatre Company South Australian production is due to tour the eastern states and Adelaide after its Sydney run.
ART
Roslyn Packer Theatre, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay (Sydney)
Performance: Thursday 19 February 2026
Season continues to 8 March 2026
Bookings: www.ticketek.com.au
Following the Sydney season, ART will tour to the Playhouse – QPAC, Brisbane, from 11 March, Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from 22 April and Adelaide’s Her Majesty’s Theatre from 20 May 2026. For more information, visit: www.arttheplay.com.au for details.
Images: Damon Herriman, Toby Schmitz and Richard Roxburgh – photo by Brett Boardman | Toby Schmitz and Damon Herriman – photo by Brett Boardman | Toby Schmitz and Richard Roxburgh – photo by Brett Boardman
Review: John Moyle