Modulate
Posted by David New on 4/17/2009
This week ensemble member Ian Barford joined the cast of Art in the role of Marc. This is the fourth and final iteration of the cast. The former changes have included actors assuming as well as changing roles. It has been fascinating to watch the play modulate with each cast change. And that is what it feels like – a modulation.
As opposed to most plays which require certain “types” to fill the roles, the only real requirement in Art is that the three men be of an age to have been friends for fifteen years. Apart from that there are no specific requirements of age, build, race, looks, or disposition. The play absorbs and is imbued by the qualities of the three actors engaged in the playing of the story. In a way, it is like the seemingly blank canvas at the center of the play. Perhaps this explains the tremendous popularity of the play – it has been translated into more than thirty languages.
I spoke to a 72 –year old woman after the post-show discussion this past Tuesday evening. It was her third time attending the production and each time she had seen a different cast formation. She said the play remained the same but was compelling each time as it revealed its multi-faceted nature in the hands of different actors.