French actress and playwright Yasmina Reza's Arts will be performed at the Capital Theater from June 30 to July 2.

What is art is a question that could apply to Reza's award-winning play, as well as to the question her characters wrestle with in this humorous yet touching play superbly directed by Gu Yi'an, associate professor at the Shanghai Academy of Drama.

The purchase of a very expensive painting, all in shades of white, triggers a firestorm of outrageous debate between three close friends.

How much is too much to pay for a painting, a work of art? When well-to-do dermatologist Serge unveils his 200,000-franc purchase to his friends, their reaction is, well, less than encouraging.

An unframed canvas of total white constitutes art?

Conversations and philosophical arguments ensue regarding what constitutes art, what art is and, as the play progresses, the boundaries of love and friendship.

As the philosophical debate becomes contentious, friendships are questioned, and the argument quickly escalates into accusations of disputed loyalty and betrayal.

The limits of art and camaraderie are challenged through the brilliant writing and sharply drawn characters.

Reza penned Art in 1994. It has since won her a second Moliere Award, as well as the Olivier Award and Evening Standard Award for best play in London, and the 1998 Tony Award for the best play on Broadway.

The play has been translated into 35 languages including Chinese. The Shanghai Drama Center produced the Chinese version in November 2001.

"I am fascinated by this play's extraordinary humor, theatricality and humanity," said Gu. "In this gem, Reza explores potent and dynamic ideas about intimacy and friendship which expands well beyond the confines of the three characters she depicts.

"Her boundless and unframed canvas includes us all and being minimalist, it finds compelling truth about the smallest of human alliances that resonate well beyond."

Xu Zheng is the proud and artistically pompous Serge.

"Art is a comedy, a philosophical discussion, a light-hearted comment about artistic elitism," said Xu. "Its philosophic look at life sneaks up on the audience in the guise of a humorous look at modern art appreciation and friendship."

(China Daily June 25, 2004)