A Visual Feast! After Mourning - Before Van Gogh at Shadow Theatre

Marc J. Chalifoux Photography

I took in the World Premiere of After Mourning - Before Van Gogh by Canadian playwright Mike Czuba this past weekend at Shadow Theatre (presented at the Varscona Theatre). Second only to my love of exploring math and science in plays is the exploration of visual art and artists in plays. With today's modern technology and the ability to include projections, theatres are able to do this in a way that literally immerses the audience in the work of the artist. Indeed the work of Vincent van Gogh is prominent in the play thanks to the wonderful projection design of Matt Schuurman. 

In Czuba's play we are not focused so much on Van Gogh but rather how his brother's widow, Joanna (played by Lora Brovold and Donna-Leny Hansen) works in her life to establish and preserve his legacy. Remember, Van Gogh only sold one painting in his lifetime. His fame and recognition of his genius only came after his death. After husband Theo also dies, Joanna dedicates her life to the legacy of Vincent and also to pass this along to her son, Vincent Willem. 

Marc J. Chalifoux Photography

The play is told in multiple times and we see an older Joanna (Brovold) remembering her past as she struggles with a decision to allow the National Gallery to have Van Gogh's Sunflowers. She looks back on the journey she's had wondering about her choices about when and how to share Van Gogh's art to the world. Brovold is outstanding as the anchor of the show, always observing her past as it's relived onstage, and wondering about whether she has done a good job, and what she might have done without the monumental task she set for herself. Surrounded by the ghosts of her husband Theo (Steven Greenfield) and Vincent (perfectly appointed Andrew Ritchie, who also plays her son Vincent Willem), Joanna deftly navigates the art world where, as she is a woman, she is given little respect.

It's this looking back and wondering about choices that I connected the most with. I would say that Joanna, if she could really look back, should be immensely proud of what she accomplished. For even though she did not make the paintings, it could be argues the rest of us would not know much about them if it weren't for her.  I thought a lot about that as Starry Night and Sunflowers swirled in my vision from the stage. Czuba's play honours not only the artist, but also his champions and protectors.

After Mourning - Before Van Gogh runs until April 6th. Tickets are $25-$38 and can be purchased here. They also have pay-what-you-can and two-for-one performances.