Art (Playscript)

‘Art’ is a profound and hilarious comedy about the value of truth and friendship.

My friend Serge has bought a painting.
It’s a canvas about five foot by four: white. The background is white and, if you screw up your eyes, you can make out some fine white diagonal lines.
Serge is one of my oldest friends.

Serge has bought a modern work of art for a large sum of money. Marc hates the painting and cannot believe that a friend of his could feel differently. Yvan attempts to placate both sides, with hilarious consequences. The question is: Are you who you think you are, or are you who your friends think you are?

‘Art’ premiered in this translation at Wyndham’s Theatre, London, 1996. It won Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Comedy, and New York Drama Critics’ Circle and Tony Awards for Best Play.

‘A remarkably wise, witty and intelligent comedy. “Art” has touched a universal nerve.’ The Times

‘“Art” not only brings to the stage a topical debate, it makes it invigorating, touching and finally disturbing. This dark comedy, translated from the French by Christopher Hampton in sparkling form, explores its themes through a rift between friends.’ Financial Times