Jamaican Plays

ART, the latest production from the Mona-based University Players, is a superb theatrical offering overflowing with charm, humour and passion – and serves as a strong vehicle for the trio of actors who breathe life into the Tony-winning script penned by Frenchwoman Yasmina Reza.

Though the social commentary woven into Reza’s script is rarely heavy-handed, the wit sparkles. At the same time, the cast lends some sophistication to the material and finds the right balance between intensity and light humour. The set design and the wonderfully choppy black-and-white feel add cheeky authenticity.

The two-act play follows three persons – Serge (Issa), Marc (Zacca) and Yvan (Scott) – who’ve been friends for 15 years. Their friendship enters fragile territory when Serge buys an expensive painting. A proud art collector, he’s happy with his latest expensive acquisition and expects the approval of his chums. But marc is horrified and scornfully expresses his disapproval (“You paid $200,000 for this sh–!”) – much to Serge’s ire. Yvan, who is burdened by preparations for his impending nuptials and dissatisfaction with his job as a stationery salesman, is caught in the middle of the conflict and tries to prevent the friendship from falling apart. But his attempts at peacemaking backfire. By the second act, the tension heightens and the three friends square off over the artwork – a monochromatic white piece – using it as an excuse to relentlessly batter each other over various issues in their lives.

The actors’ performances are revelations and they exhibit strong exuberance which serves them well onstage. Not surprising since they are guided by a director who has clearly mastered the ‘art’ (pun attended) of easing the self-consciousness of his actors and getting them instead to focus on the intricate process of character development. Thankfully, Brian Heap, who helms this production, is that director.

The accomplished actors deliver and Heap nurtures their sensitive rapport. Munair Zacca is painfully convincing as Marc (also an engineer). The marvelous Alwyn Scott offers a witty, heartbreaking portrait of Yvan while Paul Issa movingly portrays Serge. The minimal set design, gorgeous lighting and sound effects provide an undercurrent that seems to swell whenever things get really tense. The stark projected images on a mini-screen in the centre of the stage further embellish the dialogue, monologues and mood of the play, which raises serious questions about art appreciation and the value of friendship.

For the most part, the University Players have crafted an entertaining product that is never offensive (the occasional ‘frank’ language aside), sometimes amusing and occasionally poignant. It’s no Shakespeare, or Arthur Miller, for that matter, but in a year that has seen several unintentionally and unfortunately funny material on the local scene, Art is a sure bet.