Knightly News

“If I’m who I am because I’m who I am and you’re who you are because you’re who you are, then I’m who I am and you’re who you are. If, on the other hand, I’m who I am because you’re who you are, and if you’re who you are because I am who I am, then I’m not who I am and you’re not who you are…You see why I had to write it down.” Yvan in the play “Art” by Yasmina Reza

Three Episcopal seniors will present their rendition of Yasmina Reza’s “Art” later this month. A translation of a French-language play, “Art” is set in Paris and is a comedy about three men whose 15-year friendship is tested when one of them buys a white painting for $200,000 francs. Cooper Smither, who plays Yvan is prepared to deliver the “if I’m who I am” line. If that line is any indication of the play, audiences are sure to leave the VPAC with much to digest. Cooper’s fellow actor Alex Engstrom, who portrays Marc says “Art” is a play “about white on white paintings, but it’s really a play about relationships.” Alex and Cooper are joined in the three-person production by fellow senior Baker Saurage, who plays Serge.

The making of Episcopal’s version of “Art” is a story in itself. Doing a senior play was always important to Alex because he says this may likely be the last time he performs on stage. He’s happy that that play will be with what he refers to as a “great director and a great cast.” Director Joe Reynolds reminds Alex that “Art” doesn’t have to be his last performance. “It will be my last Episcopal production,” adds Alex. “That makes me feel like I’m representing more than myself.” As for fellow actor Cooper, he hopes to continue acting and possibly explore it more in college. 

With the goal of presenting a senior play, Alex began thinking about what that play might be. After hearing his dad rave about “Art,” Alex approached Reynolds about offering the straight play to Episcopal audiences. “I’m excited to do this,” says Reynolds, who points out that the production is an extra offering this school year. Reynolds and Alex identified Cooper and Baker to play the remaining members of the play’s trio and plans went into motion. Along the way, Cooper says being part of such a small ensemble has been exciting. He says the actors have to support each other in such a tight production. Baker agrees. “I’ve always been in shows with anywhere from 20 cast members to over 50,” he says. “I think that alone makes the production so special for me; the intimacy and focus that Alex, Cooper, Mr. Reynolds, and myself get to put into it. A cast this size allows for deeper connections to be made between the performers, resulting in more natural interactions on stage.”

The tight-knit team seems to be taking an analytical approach to play preparation. Alex says they are delving deeper into what the lines really mean. Cooper says he enjoys exploring characters and “capturing the essence of a person.” As a director, Reynolds strives to help students listen and understand what the characters are saying and doing. He says once actors understand that motivation for what is being said or done, they are better able to interpret the play and embody their character. He says already members of the senior trio embody their characters really well.

In a twist that showcases the reach of the Episcopal community, Carrie Brantley-Wimberley, who is the parent of a Middle School student, became involved in the production by chance. Reynolds bumped into Brantley-Wimberley while shopping for art supplies. The two discussed the upcoming play and the need for three paintings that will set the stage locations, and Brantley-Wimberley offered her assistance. Now, she is painting the landscape that serves as a visual for the character Marc.

While “Art” is a comedy, the students hope audiences take away more than a good laugh. “I want families to have discussions,” says Alex. Reynolds says people will likely walk away imagining themselves in one role while not realizing that others see them entirely differently. The group says dialogue will result from what is presented on stage. “That’s what plays are so great for,” says Reynolds. “Change comes from stories.”

Cooper points out that there is an important message for classmates who see the play. “The message of be yourself around your friends or the friendships won’t last is a great message for high school students,” he says. 

Presenting “Art” is sure to be a fitting way to celebrate the senior year at Episcopal. “I really hope that people take the chance to see it because it’s truly an intriguing and meaningful play that audience members can take a lot from,” says Baker. “I can guarantee that this isn’t a show that they’ll want to miss!” Don’t miss your chance to catch the trio’s presentation of “Art” later this month in the VPAC.

Wednesday, September 29th at 7 pm
Thursday, September 30th at 7 pm
Tickets are $12.

Click here for tickets to "Art"

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