For Immediate Release
May 7, 2003

THE ‘ART’ OF BEING FUNNY
Saint John Theatre Company to Stage Chic New Comedy May 23-24

The Saint John Theatre Company is about to bring one of the world’s best new comedies to the Imperial Theatre stage. "Art" is an ultra-modern, hilariously quirky play by Yasmina Reza. In less than a decade, it has been produced in more than 30 countries, made millions of dollars and turned the French playwright into the toast of the European theatre scene.

“It’s a great script,” says Stephen Tobias, the director of the SJTC production. “Very, very funny, while at the same time thought-provoking. Pie-in-your-face, drop-your-drawers comedy can be relatively easy to do. Intelligent, well-written comedy like "Art" provides a great challenge for the Company.”

"Art" is about three friends and the cataclysmic impact a piece of modern art has on their relationship. Serge (Cliff Turner) spends tens of thousands of dollars on a painting consisting of white diagonal lines. Marc (Irwin Hornik) condemns the canvas as overpriced junk, while Yvan (Martin Chochinov) tries to play peacemaker.

“The play is, on the surface, about a painting,” Tobias says. “But the real story revolves around the changing nature of the relationship between these three very different characters. The painting becomes a catalyst which forces them to re-examine the nature of their lifelong friendship. The actors must develop an understanding of these relationships to effectively portray them on the stage.”

Irwin Hornik is well-known to local theatregoers because of notable performances in SJTC productions such as "Twelfth Night" and "The Diary of Anne Frank". Teacher, artist and CBC Radio movie reviewer Cliff Turner will make his SJTC debut in "Art". Martin Chochinov, a [here] newspaper manager who moved to Saint John from Toronto, is also new to the Company.

“It’s always exciting to work with new people,” Tobias says. “We are constantly cycling new faces through our main-stage productions. The development of talent is an essential part of what the Company does. We are fortunate to have three actors who are going to work very, very well together. We have the best actors for the job.”

Individuals and organizations in the community are collaborating with the SJTC to make "Art" a success. Award-winning artist Herzl Kashetsky spent two weeks creating "To White Or Not To White", the centrepiece of the play. The painting is being raffled off, with proceeds going to the SJTC and the Saint John Arts Centre. In addition, the Peter Buckland Gallery has hung a new exhibition of paintings at the Imperial Theatre. The eleven abstract works are by Sue Rose, Pat Schell and other New Brunswick artists. Like the painting in the play, the exhibition has the power to raise eyebrows and provoke debate.

"Art" will be presented May 23 and May 24 at 8 pm. There is also a matinee at 2 pm matinee on the 24th. Tickets are available at the Imperial Theatre box office at (506) 674-4100 or 1 (800) 323-7469.

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