In Dorset Theatre Festival’s world premiere production of “True Art” by Jessica Provenz, museum art curator Jodi Dean acquires a world-famous work of art as well as a new intern while navigating the inner workings of institutional politics and personal relationships. Provenz’s funny and clever dialog coupled with director Michelle Joyner’s nuanced character development make this a delightful and compelling show.
As the formidable Dean, Jayne Atkinson commands attention from her first moment on stage. She illustrates the tenacity required of a woman in a leadership position while also interspersing small amounts of vulnerability that balance her character. Fiona Robberson as intern Lauren is perfect in her meek and apprehensive reactions to her superior, and her emotional growth as she defends her beliefs later in the play is fascinating to watch. Charlie Reid as “floater” J.J. is charming and full of frantic energy, and Bob Ari as art dealer Buddy is equal parts endearing and sly.
Fiona Robberson and Charlie Reid in “True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
Jayne Atkinson in “True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
“True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
“True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
Charles Reid in “True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
“True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
Bob Ari and Fiona Robberson in “True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
Fiona Robberson in “True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
Charles Reid and Fiona Robberson in “True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
Jayne Atkinson and Bob Ari in “True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
Fiona Robberson and Charlie Reid in “True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
Jayne Atkinson and Bob Ari in “True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
Bob Ari and Fiona Robberson in “True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
“True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
Fiona Robberson in “True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
Fiona Robberson and Jayne Atkinson in “True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
Fiona Robberson in “True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
Jayne Atkinson in “True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
Fiona Robberson and Charlie Reid in “True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
Fiona Robberson, Charlie Reid, and Jayne Atkinson in “True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
Jayne Atkinson and Fiona Robberson in “True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
Charlie Reid and Fiona Robberson in “True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
Charlie Reid in “True Art” by Jessica Provenz, directed by Michelle Joyner, at the Dorset Theatre Festival. Photo: T. Charles Erickson.
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Director Joyner enhances the story with lots of movement and subtleties of personality that provide deep insight into the characters, provoking the audience to respond as readily to the performers’ actions as to their words.
Christopher and Justin Swader’s eye-catching, dynamic set is made that much more interesting by Joey Moro’s thoughtful projections, over scene changes and otherwise, depicting other well-known works of art. Jane Shaw provided exceptional sound design.
Written by Jessica Provenz. Directed by Michelle Joyner. Cast: Bob Ari, Jayne Atkinson, Charlie Reid, Fiona Robberson. Scenic designers: Christopher & Justin Swader. Costume designer: Barbara A. Bell. Lighting designer: Patricia M. Nichols. Sound designer: Jane Shaw. Projection designer: Joey Moro. Production stage manager: Avery Trunko.
