This is not some irrelevant fringe production; it is a major intervention in the cultural debate of the country by people who are keen to keep the reactionary tides running. It is probably the most sustained attack on modernism yet seen on the British stage, and it represents a stern challenge to the brilliant success story of British contemporary art.” —The Guardian
“Not only brings to the stage a topical debate, it makes it invigorating, touching and finally disturbing. This dark comedy, translated from the French, in sparkling form, explores its themes through a rift between friends.” —Financial Times
“A remarkably wise, witty and intelligent comedy . . . has touched a universal nerve.” —The Times
“Chic, short, and wickedly, perceptively funny, it's the perfect West End play.” —Nick Curtis, Evening Standard
“Art, which has been translated from the French by Christopher Hampton, is filled from first curtain to ending with a dazzling array of language.” —Iris Fanger, Christian Science Monitor
“It's an actor's dream, a nonstop cross-fire of crackling language, serious issues of life and art expressed in outbursts that sound like Don Rickles with a degree from the Sorbonne. Brilliantly translated by Christopher Hampton, . . . Art takes that yawny old bore, the play of ideas, and jolts it to life.” —Jack Kroll, Newsweek
Reza’s award-winning play serves up crisp dialogue and pointed observations as three old friends trade barbs, philosophies, and allegiances—all while staring at a $100,000 white painting rendered on a white canvas. All three actors—Bob Balaban, Brian Cox, and Jeff Perry—have performed this work onstage. They bring to the audio production their fine-tuned comic timing and well-dramatized emotions, especially the characters’ concern for a friend in crisis. With these vocal performances, ART retains the urbane Continentalism of the original French production. The play is sophisticated, complicated, and very funny. B.P. 2011 Audies Finalist © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine
