TASI to present ‘After Mourning,’ Van Gogh-inspired play by Mike Czuba
The Art Studio, Inc. will host a staged reading for the U.S. premiere of “After Mourning,” by Canadian playwright Mike Czuba, about the legacy of what was to become of the work of Vincent Van Gogh after he died in 1890.
The reading will be held at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 8, at The Studio’s gallery, 720 Franklin in downtown Beaumont.
Czuba is writer, director and producer with a BFA and MFA in playwriting, and he is currently a performance instructor at the University of Calgary and founder of the performance collective Dancing Monkey Laboratories. Most recently his play “Reprise” had staged readings at both The Blank Theatre in Los Angeles and The Red Theatre in Chicago.
“It’s great to see a new play being developed from the start,” Michael Saar, TASI event chairperson and board member, said. “This is one of many things the Studio does in fostering art, not just locally, but from wherever new works or who the artist might be.”
When Van Gogh died, he was penniless and virtually unknown beyond a small circle of artists, having sold only a single painting during his lifetime. The entirety of his possessions (all paintings and drawings, numbering more than 600 all told) were left to his brother Theo Van Gogh. Theo was an art dealer in Paris and for most, if not all, of Vincent’s 10 years as a painter, Theo supported him financially, paying for supplies, and subsistence, as well as emotionally through a never-wavering belief in Vincent’s genius. Theo was also sick, and six months after Vincent died so did Theo, from illness due to syphilis.
“Hopefully, the play gives people a better understanding of Van Gogh’s works and the efforts of Johanna to get the world to see their brilliance,” director Elayne LeTraunik said.
Without her, the world would not know the name Vincent Van Gogh beyond a footnote in other artist’s biographies. And they certainly would not know his art. Johanna Bonger is the woman who saved Van Gogh.
Johanna Bonger, Theo’s wife of only two years, and their young son, Vincent Willem, 1 year old at the time, were now the custodians of Vincent’s art after the brothers both died, and the remaining family members did not have in interest in Vincent’s work
Johanna decided to take up Theo’s work to bring Vincent’s art to the world, fueled by a deep love for her husband, and an inner drive and passion that most underestimated. For 35 years, up to her death in 1925, she was unwavering in her efforts.
The event evolved from a discussion with long-time TASI patron and member Marilyn Manson-Hayes and TASI board members.
LeTraunik is a recent transplant to Beaumont from Chicago with a strong Southeast Texas connection — her son Brian is an assistant professor of theatre at Lamar University.
“This staged reading of this new play reveals the story of a strong woman who has pretty much been ignored in the history of Van Gogh and his works,” LeTraunik said. “While Vincent’s works are the crux of the issue, Johanna’s struggles really speaks to how women were treated then.”
LeTraunik’s background showcases her talents and skills as a highly acclaimed actress, director and producer in community theater, and for 10 years she was associate artistic director of Genesis Theatrical Productions. She is a member of Actors Equity, the League of Professional Theatre Women and the International Centre of Women Playwrights.
“The reading will cover the whole play, and I will be reading stage directions, so the audience can keep up,” she said. “This is very important since the two men play five different roles, and (audiences) have to be able to know immediately who they are playing.”
The staged reading is for one performance only with limited seating at 720 Franklin St. in downtown Beaumont. There will be light refreshments and craft beer generously provided by Del Papa Distributing and 2-Row Distributing prior to the reading.
Additionally, a discussion after the reading will be led by local playwright, director and actor and TASI-member artist Andy Coughlan.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at The Art Studio at 720 Franklin, or online at artstudio.org — the link is on the home page.
For additional information call 409-838-5393 or info@artstudio.org.
Story by Stephan Malick, ISSUE staff writer
