ART explores the catastrophic effect on three friends, Serge, Marc, and Yvan, when Serge purchases an expensive work of abstract art: a large painting consisting of white lines on a white canvas. As the men engage in an ongoing debate over the painting’s value, emotions run high and the conflict escalates, threatening to destroy a long-standing friendship.

Ideally suited to the intimate venue, this was a triumph of style and substance: a dramatically effective white box-set and props (enhanced by symbolic lighting) was the perfect backdrop for three performances of real integrity, focus and empathy as the dynamics and allegiances within the trio’s relationships shifted. Garth Wright (Marc) in particular had magnificent conversational tones during his monologues with commanding stage presence, resonating the truth of his character.

Outstanding direction ensured first-rate pace and characterisations. Not for the faint-hearted, but an absorbing and provocative play performed with excellent poignancy and style.