The Collaboration

 The Collaboration
Manhattan Theatre Club
The Samuel J. Friedman Theatre
January 1, 2023 

The Manhattan Theatre Club production of The Collaboration is riveting.  Playwright Anthony McCarten characterizes two iconic figures in modern art.  He exemplifies their distinct personalities, and illustrates their impact on one another and the art world.  The play dramatizes their connection, as well as the conflict in their perspectives.  Director Kwame Kwei-Armah molds the flow of action, clearly laid out by Mr. McCarten, so the audience identifies with each of the artists at different times in the story. 

Jeremy Pope & Paul Bettany
Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

Art dealer and agent, Bruno Bischofberger (played by Erik Jensen) suggests to Andy Warhol (played by Paul Bettany) and Jean-Michael Basquiat (played by Jeremy Pope) that they collaborate.  Both men initially refuse.  Their resistance stems from their own insecurities and unwillingness to bend.  Bruno’s ability to convince them both is due to each artists’ admiration and respect for the other’s work.  They meet and immediately challenge one another.  Basquiat is visceral and instinctual.  He paintings are primal and bold.  Warhol is distant and analytical, having transitioned into silk screening and film making.  Warhol’s main interest is to film Basquiat.  Basquiat pushes Warhol to pick up a brush and paint again.  Their views on art are juxtaposed, yet they are bonded by their level of success and drive to create.  They challenge one another to face themselves. Their bond outlives them both.

Paul Bettany portrays Andy Warhol as a vulnerable, apprehensive man, hesitant to engage.  Warhol’s understanding of art and seeing the need for people to distance themselves is far ahead of his time.  When Andy Warhol’s beliefs are shared, they are easily recognizable in the ways we relate via social media.  Mr. Bettany has full conviction of these beliefs.  He is able to make Warhol’s complex views of art clear and accessible. 

Jeremy Pope portrays Jean-Michel Basquiat as an energetic free spirit, who paints incessantly, creating bold forms and dark images from deep within his soul.  The audience understands what drives him.  We feel it in Mr. Pope’s energy.  Mr. Pope takes his character further than anticipated in Act II when he faces the brutal beating and death of a close friend, and reveals the reason for his painting.  Mr. Pope exposes the heart of his character.  It is truly a revelation. 

Photo courtesy of Manhattan Theatre Club

These actors initially give the audience a representation of their characters to entice and satisfy the expectation.  They then dive deeply into the truths of these iconic figures, revealing their beliefs, motivations, and hidden fears.  They are magnificent together.  They have a vibrant, palpable chemistry.  They use the opposite traits of their characters to magnetize their performances.  They create a need for their collaboration, and build a genuine bond that is deeper and stronger than the work they create.  

There is video during the intermission, which fills in the blank of how their relationship flourishes.  This is vital to the full impact of the story.  Be sure not to miss it.  

The Collaboration has been extended through January 29.  It is playing at Manhattan Theatre Club’s Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.  This play will challenge your intellect and satisfy your imagination.  

Domenick Danza