A Comedy by Yasmina Reza translated by Chrisopher Hampton
“How much would you pay for a white painting?”
One of Marc’s best friends, Serge, has just purchased a white painting. To Marc, the painting is a joke, but Serge insists that Marc doesn’t have the proper standards to judge the work. Another friend, Ivan, although burdened by his own problems, likes the work. Lines are drawn and these old friends square off over the canvas, using it as an excuse to relentlessly batter one another over various failures. Arguments become more personal. Serge gives Marc a felt pen and dares him, “Go on!”. Friendship is finally tested but the aftermath affirms the power of those bonds.