[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre review of Cassatt at Theatre West, celebrating the life and legacy of pioneering artist Mary Cassatt, running through June 28.
Cassatt is a play about an artist you may have never heard of, Mary Cassatt.
Born in Pennsylvania in 1844, she studied at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Art from the age of 15, but outgrew it quickly and travelled to Paris with her mother to study at the center of the art world. After some time and no small amount of obstinance on her part, she was able to find some success in Paris, no mean task in a city full of extraordinary painters. Cassatt was eventually accepted into the inner circle of the Impressionist movement alongside artists like Degas and Renoir and exhibited with them at the famous Paris Salon. This play is the story of her journey from Pennsylvania to France and an indictment of her talent and her refusal to be called a woman painter…rather than an Artist, just like everyone else.
It is extraordinary to think that a young woman at the end of the nineteenth century could achieve not only the reputation she had as a painter, but the ability to support herself by her own art.
This beautiful play gives Cassatt the voice she may not have had in her lifetime. A chance to introduce herself to many of us who did not know her name.
The production is absolutely wonderful. The simple set and her gorgeous paintings shown as a backdrop to the world created on stage draws the audience in and makes us feel as if we are inside this world.
Then there are the exquisite performances. Vivid and compelling portrayals of every character. Mary Cassatt herself was a strong woman way ahead of her time; she expected to be taken seriously and never compromised herself or her work for the sake of any man’s approval. But that can be a tricky road to walk at any age, even now. Cassatt’s life was filled with disappointments, but mostly due to other people’s interference. In the end, her life became exactly how she always imagined it. Free and full of the most incredible and hard-earned art. Her story is a lesson in determination and desire. Making the world around you bend to your will by the sheer force of your own nature. Never believing that anything but what you need could possibly ever happen.
Every character is so perfectly drawn. Their words, their clothes, their entire countenance is compelling, persuasive and mesmerizing. This group of inspiring and brilliant actors gives performances that honor the legacy of Cassatt herself.
They are honest and entertaining, powerful and utterly believable. Every word they say feels completely truthful, and the result of all this talent is a play that will fill you with joy…much like every picture Mary Cassatt painted. Bravo, Theatre West and all concerned!
Cassatt is a phenomenal production and an absolute must-see!!
Tickets:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cassatt-tickets-1984650603380
When:
May 29-June 28
Friday and Saturday at 8PM, Sunday at 3PM
Where:
Theatre West
3333 Cahuenga Blvd W
The Cassatt Cast
The cast of Cassatt includes Samantha Gregory, Cecil Jennings, Saratoga Ballantine, Kathie Barnes, Alexandria Sanders, Lily Cadot, Briana Burnside, Walter Rodriguez, Caroline Quigley, and Daniel Korth.
The Team
Assistant to the director: Elise Walters. Set design: Jeff G. Rack. Graphic and projection designer: Gabrieal Griego. Costume design: Michelle Afradi. Production consultant: Elyse Ashton. Stage manager: Sarah Acuna.