Art House

Throughout time, artists seem to have had the need to be left alone when they create. The chance of solitude is a very powerful temptation, one that artist Charlie decides to take. With the help of her sister, she fakes her death so that: a) she can create more and b) her art scores a much larger public interest.

And so begins Art House, an hour-long play that sees these two siblings in an interesting symbiotic relationship. Charlie needs sister Viva to bring her supplies, to create the facade of her death and to act as her art dealer, while Viva needs Charlie to paint more so she can continue her rise in the art world as a ‘power broker’.

Rachael Coopes’ new play has many intriguing concepts: the fickle world of art, the effects of solitude, the importance of human contact (be it physical, emotional or sexual) and the question of who actually owns a work of art: the person who made it or the person who paid for it. In fact, with development the fleshing out of these themes could lead to a good full-length play.

However, as it is here, it is half-baked and flimsy at best.

The production is saved by two very solid performances by Caroline Horton and Emily Randall, who manage to bring a much-needed spark to the production. Each plays her role well and they work fantastically together to make a sibling rivalry tale all the more believable.