Barron Weyerhaeuser, Marc
I am 19 and a freshman at American University with an intended major in Interdisciplinary Studies: Communication, Legal Institutions, Economics, and Government (CLEG) and a minor in Theatre.
Art seems primarily an exploration of the dynamics and "art" of friendship, while the debate on the definition of art contributes only a secondary, albeit significant undertone. Each of the three friends, while distinctly their own personalities, exhibit tendencies of which every person is occasionally guilty: Serge wants acceptance in the social elite, Marc wants recognition and superiority, and Yvan wants serenity at the cost of discord, even if that serenity means leaving truth kept secret and problems unresolved. Each character, however, shares the common, universal desire to be respected.
Respect, I believe the play argues, is an critical element in relationships. We must respect not only our friends' hopes, dreams, and beliefs, but we must also pay the respect of truth, even in the face of friction or a fractured friendship, for truth in a friendship is the only sure way to have a true friend.
While the play contains much levity and humor, it is foremost a serious one and ends with thought-provoking uncertainty: whether or not Yvan is truly happy about his marriage is uncertain, as is the future of Marc and Serge's friendship. The painting has undoubtedly tried their friendship.
Regardless of whether or not the Antrios is truly art, it provoked discussion and enlightenment. Although the men's friendship was more harmonious before the painting caused a schism, it also brought out the men's true thoughts and feelings and, thus, begs the diagnosis of that old axiom "Ignorance is bliss."
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See Barron in Yasmina Reza's ART
Tuesday April 19 & Wednesday, April 20
Luna Books: 1633 P Street, NW
Happy Hour begins at 6 pm
Reading begins at 7 pm
Suggested Donation $10/Pay What You Can
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