Relationships explored in ‘Art’

Friday, Jan. 26, 2001 | 9:10 a.m.

What: Actors Repertory Theatre presents "Art"

When: 8 p.m. today, through Feb. 3; 2 p.m. Sunday and Feb. 4.

Where: Summerlin Library Theatre, 1771 Inner Circle Drive.

Tickets: $15-$20, with discounts for students and seniors.

Information: 647-7469.

Call it absurd, a bit trivial even, when a white-on-white abstract painting tears apart a 15-year friendship at its kindred seams.

But for Marc, Serge and Yvan, characters in Yasmina Reza's comedy "Art" the purchase of the minimalist painting becomes more than a difference of taste as it chips away at the foundations of their friendship.

The 1998 Tony Award winner for Best Play is being presented tonight through Feb. 4 at the Summerlin Library Theatre, by Actors Repertory Theatre.

"It's the play that's been talked about the past four or five years," Robert Dunkerly, who directed the local production of "Art," said. "People will walk away thinking about their relationships."

The story opens shortly after Serge, a dermatologist hip to the latest cultural trends, buys a modern painting -- a white canvas painted with white diagonal stripes -- for 200,000 French francs.

Marc, an aeronautical engineer into classicism, is startled not just by the amount of money Serge paid for the painting, but by the fact that Serge (his protege) would act independently from him.

Marc verbally attacks Serge for his purchase, opening a 90-minute forum for an emotional and cutting dialogue between the two.

Yvan, the mutual friend -- clumsy, comical and more laid-back -- believes the fight over the painting is ridiculous. When he tries to convey this to his rivaling friends, they berate him.

"Yvan has definite opinions about the painting, but they're not Earth shattering," Jeff Granstrom, who plays Yvan, said. "Yvan would be the voice of reason if they took him seriously. He doesn't see the sense in the fight."

The play touches on issues that can be found in all relationships, Dunkerly said.

"It has to do, literally, with the fact that you think you know someone and they do something that throws you for a loop," he said. "Sometimes our relationships are based on the myths we produce for each other. Initially in relationships people are so open and honest. Then you have to keep the myth going so you appear in the light you want to be in."

Written in French, the play was first presented in Paris in 1994. Since then it has been translated into several languages, winning the Moliere Award for Best Play in Paris, and the Olivier Award for Best Comedy in London. It opened on Broadway in 1997, featuring Alan Alda as the conflicted and cutting Marc.

Ray Favero, who has performed in Actors Repertory Theatre's productions of "Jeffrey," "Falsettos" and "Angels in America, Part One: Millennium Approached," plays Marc.

While many see Marc as wicked and uncompromising, Favero seems more empathic when explaining the character.

"Marc was Serge's mentor," Favero said. "But Serge has dared to venture out of his standards. (Marc) felt excluded. He felt left out. When you feel your friendship is threatened it brings about fear. ("Art") is about the art of friendship and how we must cultivate that art."

"You don't get to see the insight on relationships between men often," Richard Kimmell, who play's Serge, said. "For the most part, men don't have these conversations unless there is an incredible friendship or relationship."