Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

(From left) Paul Issa, Alwyn Scott and Munair Zacca. - File

Last Saturday's fair-sized audience was treated to high brow comedy at the Philip Sherlock Centre at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus.

The production titled 'Art' was performed by the University Players. The cast, comprising Munair Zacca, Alwyn Scott and Paul Issa, demonstrated very good acting, while Brian Heap's directing is commendable.

'Art', written by Yasmina Reza with translation by Christopher Hampton, is divided into two acts and highlights the angst or anguish of three friends, Marc, Serge and Yvan over a "white work of art". There is no clear plot and the play ends with an implosion.

The play begins with Marc (Munair Zacca) the engineer, telling the audience that his friend of 15 years, Serge (Paul Issa), has bought a painting by Artistries, for $200,000. While Marc seems infuriated by this act of waste, as the play progresses, it is discovered that his anxiety is not about the work of art but the thought of his friendship being replaced by an "artist".

No sense of humour

On the other hand, Yvan (Alwyn Scott) is also affected, as he too has lost his sense of humour.

The set was simple: two pieces of settee or couch, a desk, a chair and a triangle centre piece with a panel of board forming the backdrop. There were no set changes as Heap opted for projected images on the backdrop to show the difference in the apartments. Marc's apartment was established with a landscape painting, Yvan has the painting of an animal, while Serge's was the bare backdrop.

Throughout the play reference was made about other characters who affect their lives: Paula (Marc's wife), Catherine (Yvan's fiancée) and Yvonne (Yvan's stepmother).

Acting was of a high standard despite the challenge of playing one dimensional characters — Scott, Issa and Zacca performed well.

Entertaining

Munair Zacca's experience was evident in his characterisation of Marc. He was believable in his role, showed great control and spoke with clarity. Also, Paul Issa's role-playing of Serge was great, his mimicking of Paula was entertaining.

Alwyns Scott's performance was exceptional. Not only did Scott play Yvan but he had to imitate his mother, his fiancée and his stepmother. And on each occasion he was consistent and amusing, a feat that was not lost on the delighted audience.

The laughter from the audience is an indication that Art is an entertaining play. But it is also thought provoking.