Yasmina Reza's celebrated play Arte is revived for a dazzling Spanish-language performance

Brussels theatre group Una Buena Obra stages a stunning revival of Arte at Espace Lumen in Ixelles from 18 to 21 March.

Performed in Spanish, with surtitles in English, it promises an evening where laughter and reflection go hand in hand.

Prepare to embark on an exhilarating journey of friendship, self-discovery and the nuances of human interaction in this uproarious production of Yasmina Reza's celebrated play.

It is brilliantly directed by Victoria Farinós, who infuses Reza's profound text with a vibrant blend of humour and introspection, inviting audiences into the tangled webs that are woven in pursuit of connection and meaning.

At the heart of the acclaimed comedy by the French playwright lies an ostensibly simple yet deeply contested piece of modern art — a blank white canvas. Sergio, one of a trio of lifelong friends, purchases this enigmatic painting, setting the stage for a comedic clash of ideals and perceptions that deftly unwraps the layers of the human condition, revealing truths that are as relatable as they are complex.

What ensues is a hilarious, yet piercing exploration of friendship and individual perspective. Audiences witness Sergio, Marcos and Iván — played by Jaime Mittenhoff, Carlos Casorrán and José M Fernández — grapple with questions often left unsaid: What is the real value of friendship? Do we see our friends for who they are, or do we only see them through our own tinted lenses? The painting provides the backdrop against which issues of self-worth and validation rise to the surface.

While humour serves as the entry point, Arte skilfully uses it as a vehicle to convey deeper themes. As the characters banter and bicker, they unearth truths about self-interest and the challenge of understanding another’s point of view — truths that resonate beyond the confines of the theatre. The play acts as a mirror, reflecting our own tendencies to champion our perspectives while sometimes eschewing the opportunity to empathise with others.

Farinós says: “Reza’s genius lies in using comedy not just to entertain, but to enlighten. Through laughter, audiences are drawn into the play’s thematic depths, discovering much about themselves — and others — in the process.”

As the narrative unfolds, the audience becomes acutely aware of the importance of human connection and communication — key elements to any sustained relationship. Arte poignantly underscores the necessity of making concessions, revealing the indispensable role of compromise in the collective tapestry of society. It is not just Sergio, Marcos and Iván who must learn to navigate this; it is a universal challenge faced by all.

Una Buena Obra was founded in 2023, driven by a passion for theatre and a commitment to making a difference. It donates all proceeds from performances to NGOs and charitable organisations, having already raised over €10,000 for the Belgian Red Cross, over €6,000 for Doctors Without Borders and over €4,000 for the Asociación española contra el cáncer. All of the proceeds of Arte will go to the Cure KARS—Laia Foundation.

Arte
18 to 21 March
Espace Lumen
Chaussée de Boondael 36
Ixelles

Photos: Sergio, Marcos and Iván ©Una Buena Obra