Nowadays, Vincent Van Gogh is a widely known and
beloved artist; his vibrant, dynamic paintings can be found in major art
museums around the world. However, during his life he sold only one painting and
was misunderstood by critics and contemporaries alike. One of the few people
who truly believed in Van Gogh’s talent was his brother, Theo Van Gogh. Theo
supported his brother financially throughout his life and constantly encouraged
him.
In his director’s address to the audience, Dr.
Briant Pope draws a parallel between Theo Van Gogh and St. Paul. The same way
Jesus is presented in Christianity through the eyes of the disciple, Vincent is
presented through the eyes of his brother. This remark seams especially
appropriate since the production takes place in St. Clement’s church.
photo courtesy of Starry Night Theater Company
For Theo, Vincent was not only a beloved younger
brother but also his best friend. As an art dealer, he recognized the talent of
the artist very early on and preached the significance of Vincent Van Gogh’s
work to the art world and humanity. He carefully preserved over 500 letters
that Vincent wrote to him over 10 years and these letters are the main
biographical source of the artist’s life.
The one-man show, Vincent, written by Leonard Nimoy, is based on those letters and
was originally performed by the actor himself.
In the production of the Starry Night Theater Company, James Briggs, the
artistic director and the founder of the company, plays the part of Theo.
Directed by Dr. Briant Pope, Briggs brings to life Vincent Van Gogh as seen
through the eyes of his brother and ally.
From the early sketches made in the coalmines in Belgium’s
Borinage, to the iconic paintings of the final dramatic years, Briggs guides us
through the artist’s biography accompanied by the projections of Van Gogh’s
works. Vincent has great educational
value and is undoubtedly one of the most engaging art lessons you will ever
receive. On top of that, it is a very emotionally charged and intimate theater
experience.
James Briggs, as Theo, emanates unconditional
brotherly love full of bitter disappointments, irony, and forgiveness. As much
as we commiserate with Vincent, we also fell for Theo, as the pain from his
resent loss wets his eyes and makes his voice break. Sometimes Brigs takes on the
role of Vincent, or should I say Theo does. You can hear quite a bit of irony
in those impersonations and imagine brothers poking elbows in a playful, boyish
manner. Sometimes, though, Theo almost becomes Vincent, which evokes an uncanny
feeling of him becoming a shadow of his famous brother, dissolving in his words
completely.
Some of the letters’ fragments are voiced, not by
Theo, but presumably by the recording of Vincent. The choice of using voiceover
is not always clear and quite frankly doesn’t have the same grasping effect as
when Theo reads them, even taking into account the dramatic set up, and complete
darkness of the theater with only the blown up paintings glowing onscreen. It
is much more interesting to follow the personal memories of Theo loaded with
pain and struggle and joy.
The lighting design by Scott Pinkney is
surprisingly dynamic yet nonintrusive. With limited means, he manages to paint
with light, highlighting the emotions of the performer and making the scenic
design (by James Briggs) at times cozy and at times haunting.
photo courtesy of Starry Night Theater Company
Vincent is running through June 5th in the Theatre at St. Clement’s at 423 West 46th Street (9th Avenue),
New York, NY. More information about the production and tickets can be found here:
http://starrynighttheater.com/
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