The thrill and danger of collaborating two differing artists is a risk. However, the result was intimate, powerful and devastating at times. You may never see the artist, only their work in which you project your own stories, but to see them firsthand on what inspires them to share such vulnerable images from their mind put onto a canvas, it’s a humbling experience.
It’s without saying that this cast are masters at their craft. There was such a lack of ego between these actors, they gave themselves up completely to each other and it was almost quite terrifying how accurate the pair were to the artists. Jeremy Pope truly had snatched the breath out of everyone’s lungs in that theatre as he spins into whirlwinds of hysteria, too frightened to make a sound in case we were detrimental to his next move. Thank God for Paul Bettany who cuts all tension with his take on Warhol, a severely damaged man who only ever trusted his mother. Anthony McCarten has written this piece with such care and passion for this relationship, never once feeling like a consumer of their story but a part of the walls, which I can only applaud director Kwame Kwai-Armah for their strong vision- also such a cool touch to have DJ Xana push us back in time with their music blasting from the moment we walk in.
I’m still questioning the damage we inflict upon ourselves; in a statement we hear more than not- ‘suffer for your art’. But perhaps there’s more to question in who we make suffer for their art in the purpose that they can provide answers and opinions on things we can’t communicate, plus it looks beautiful when they do it. At times it’s hard and slightly boring to hear Warhol continually express his despair at this industry, and frustration at his lack of passion that he once had and used so greatly. Basquait so early in his career also finds this new Warhol extremely frustrating, but more so that he doesn’t understand the route of his art. Everyone can recognise this feeling, maybe feel it within them but not so many are lucky enough to have companionship to ignite and regain that youthful joy we lose so quickly.
Young Vic seem to be producing shows at the moment at an unbeatable rate and constantly impressive and I believe it necessary to keep all shows on your watchlist, starting with this one.
Playing until 2nd April, tickets and further information can be found at https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/the-collaboration
Reviewer: Alice Rose
Reviewed: 23rd February 2022
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★★