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Even the greatest of artists needs to get inspiration from somewhere to pick up that paintbrush or sketchpad for the first time. The play Vincent in Brixton posits that for Vincent Van Gogh, it was a journey abroad--and falling in love--which helped decide his brilliant career. TheatreWorks presents the Northern California premiere of Nicholas Wright's Tony-nominated drama about the trip to London that might have sparked Van Gogh's artistic genius. Vincent in Brixton is playing through April 3 at the Lucie Stern Theatre in Palo Alto.
Vincent Van Gogh at 20 is not yet a painter, though he is working in the art world, but on the other side of the easel, so to speak, as an art dealer in training. In fact, his job with an art firm in The Hague, Holland, brings him to London in 1873 to work for a year in the company's gallery there. As chance would have it, the lodgings he takes up while in London, renting a room from Ursula Loyer, a lonely widow, provide him not only with a roof over his head, but some key life lessons as well.
In Ursula's home, the young Van Gogh experiences his first infatuation, with Ursula's daughter, Eugenie. But soon to follow is his first real relationship, which slowly develops between Ursula and himself. Despite a considerable difference in age, the two, both prone to melancholy musings, find much in common.
Adding to the tension in this household is a visit from Vincent's prying sister, Anna, whose assertive, take-charge attitude is unwelcome, especially by her hostess.
Meanwhile, Vincent is also struggling to decide the path his life will ultimately take, choosing between a career in the church of his upbringing (his father is a minister), or the more artistic life to which he seems drawn. During his time in London, glimpses emerge of Van Gogh's nascent artistic sensibilities, and he begins to assert his own vision of things.
Jacob Blumer plays the young Van Gogh and Gloria Biegler plays Ursula. Both are new faces on the TheatreWorks stage. Kent Nicholson, TheatreWorks' director of new works, will direct Vincent in Brixton.
TheatreWorks presents Vincent in Brixton through April 3 at the Lucie Stern Theatre, 1305 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Tickets are $20$50. For more information, call 650.903.6000 or see www.theatreworks.org.
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