Play raises questions about art and relationships
By Stefanie Glick February 20, 2009 San Miguel de Allende

Players Workshop Theater 
Art 
Wed, Mar 4, 8pm
200 pesos, Opening night reception

Thu–Sat, Mar 5–7, 8pm

Sun, Mar 8, 5pm

Wed–Sat, Mar 11–14, 8pm

Sun, Mar 15, 5pm

Teatro Santa Ana
Biblioteca Pública
Reloj 50A
150 pesos 

The upcoming production of Art, the internationally acclaimed and Tony Award winning play by French playwright Yasmina Reza, promises to delight San Miguel theater-goers. Directed by Taylor Korobow, this Players Workshop performance is at once funny, perceptive and thought- provoking.

In Art, a long-lasting friendship between three men is suddenly challenged when one of the friends buys an obscenely expensive piece of abstract art—an unframed white painting with white diagonal lines. The friends have differing and strong opinions about the work of art and a contentious debate ensues. At one level, the concern of Art is with the value of art itself, and specifically between the aesthetic significance of modern abstract art versus more traditional representational art.

But, on another level, the central theme of the play is the nature and complexities of friendship. The heated argument that arises among the three men about the merit of the painting soon escalates into deeper, more personal conflicts between the friends. In friendship, as in all our intimate relationships, seemingly minor external conflicts can be symbolic of internal troubles and more complex interpersonal dynamics operating just under the surface—the couple quarreling over the dirty dishes in the sink, siblings fighting over a gold bracelet that belonged to a parent, or a son confronting his father who consistently arrives late.

As the philosopher David Hume said, “truth springs from argument amongst friends.” While the dramatic conflict in Art exposes the painful consequences of repressed emotions and unresolved tensions, it also reveals the great and liberating potential of conflict itself to transform and enlighten us—to expose deep and delicate truths about others and, most significantly, about ourselves.

Taylor Korobow, who directed and taught at one of the most successful acting schools in the San Francisco Bay area for 20 years, is making her local directorial debut with this entertaining and discerning version of Art. Describing why she chose this well-known play to direct, Korobow said, “I love the universality of its theme—how friendship can be both fragile and durable. It speaks to people from any country and any walk of life.” Korobow has assembled an exceptional cast, featuring Michael Gottlieb, Tim Johnson and Seth Sharp. The innovative, stylized set is designed by Joseph Kent.

Art opens with a wine, coffee and dessert reception right after the performance where you’ll be able to meet the cast. Performances are Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 5pm. Tickets go on sale Tuesday, February 24, 10:30am–1:30pm in the Biblioteca patio and at the theater box office in the afternoon.

Playing the game of murder

Theater
Deathtrap by Ira Levin
Tue–Sat, Feb 24–28, 8pm
Sun, Mar 1, 5pm
Teatro Santa Ana
Biblioteca Pública
Reloj 50A
150 pesos 

Willowbend Productions’ Deathtrap opens with Tom King, Irene Diamant, Juan Carlos Vincourt, Azzah Mannikoy and Dennis Pipes to thrill, delight and give unlimited laughs. Ira Levin’s popular works of pulp fiction were usually adapted to films such as The Stepford Wives, A Kiss before Dying, The Boys from Brazil and Sliver.

The classic Rosemary’s Baby is the story of an unsuspecting young woman (Mia Farrow) who gives birth to the spawn of Satan. In 1968, director Roman Polanski created a film of hypnotic, creeping dread, well in keeping with the political and cultural paranoia of the time. 

Michael Whaley, Broadway performer, writer and producer, is also the author of the new mystery novel Murder at 8. Whaley has directed San Miguel hits such as The Diary of Anne Frank and Stop the World–I Want to Get Off. Whaley invites people to enjoy “this incredibly talented star-studded cast and the most anticipated theatrical production this year.

Glenda Garry Glenda Ross

Theater
Glenda Garry Glenda Ross
Fri–Sat, Feb 20–21, 8pm
Teatro Santa Ana
Biblioteca Pública
Reloj 50A
100 pesos

The play Glenda Garry Glenda Ross, continuing through Saturday, is Bill Gallacher’s adaptation of David Mamet's famous (or infamous) satire on the real estate industry, Glengarry Glen Ross. The title refers to a real estate development in Florida, and has been modified slightly in order to recognize the all-female slant.

The talented cast includes Cleo Kamelhar, Crystal Calderoni, Kokila Byrne, Teresa Pipes, Kim Powell, and Naomi Lawler. Reserved tickets are available from the theater box office.

Iguana Festival de Artes 

Bagel & Coffee reading series
Arts & Crafts Fair
Sat–Sun, Feb 21–22, time

Anne Nelson, The Guys
Tue, Feb 24, 11am
Avenida Independencia 82
50 pesos

The final reading in Iguana’s Bagel & Coffee reading series will be The Guys by Anne Nelson (50 pesos includes breakfast and reading). Less than two weeks after the September 11 attacks, New Yorkers are still in shock. One of them, an editor named Joan, receives an unexpected phone call on behalf of Nick, a fire captain who lost most of his men in the attack. He’s looking for a writer to help him with the eulogies he must present at their memorial services. Nick and Joan spend a long afternoon together recalling the fallen men through recounting their virtues and their foibles, and fashioning their stories into memorials of words. In the process, Nick and Joan discover the possibilities of friendship in each other and their shared love for the unconquerable spirit of the city. As they make their way through the emotional landscape of grief, they draw on humor, tango, the appreciation of craft in all its forms, and the enduring bonds of common humanity. The Guys is based on a true story. 

Readers will be Kirsten Dehner and Alan Jordan.

For more information: www.theatersanmiguel.com 

On the weekend of February 21–22, Iguana Productions will host an outdoor invitational arts and crafts fair to complement their month-long run of thespian and musical productions on land across from their theater overlooking the historic centro. Tents for food concessions, approximately 40 artists, artisans and designers along with the famous telas structure of the GravityWorks circus troupe will fill the space.

Vendors have been selected by the organizers of the fair for the quality and uniqueness of their work. Many do not ordinarily show their products in local San Miguel fairs. Several are from Mexico City and have their own studios or sell in prestigious locations. Works include: glass, embossed metal, clay, felted wool, quilted cotton products and aprons, contemporary and vintage jewelry, metal and mixed media sculptures, recycled products, paintings in oils, egg tempura, encaustic wax and watercolor, paper, art photography, books, assemblages, home-made beauty products and food, crafts from Asia and Guatamala. 

A special feature of the fair will be the “teen tables.” Young people will be given the opportunity to learn how to market and sell their products from bagels and cookies to photos and framed gallery-quality artwork. 

Adding to the atmosphere created by the circus troupe, dancers from El Sindicate, Casa de Artes Escenicas will perform in addition to impromptu street performers.

Come and enjoy the day with us. Support the arts of theater, dance, circus and crafts.