Vincent Van Gogh remains one of history’s most enduring artists. A man of brilliant talent but tortured by feelings of inadequency and failure. Amazingly, despite producing over 2000 pieces of work, he only sold one painting and was financially dependant on his beloved brother Theo. After his suicide, Theo was overcome with emotion at the funeral and unable to say a word. Nimoy’s play takes the conceit that a week afterwards he convened a gathering of friends, artists and appreciators in Paris and was able to talk about his late brothers life and work.
It’s a wonderfully inspiring idea, and using 1076 pages of letters between Vincent and his brother as its basis, Nimoy’s play has both immediacy and intimacy.
Vincent Van Gogh was far from perfect. Constantly moving from one disaster to the next and obsessed with redemption, he was a challenge to those who loved him. We hear about his life and loves, his poverty and mental illness and finally his destructive friendship with Gauguin.
Jim Jarrett as Theo, the sole character, speaks directly to the audience with only a minimalist set and with the support of a screen illustrating key events and Vincent’s work. In a nuanced and moving performace, he draws energy fom the audience and absolutely commands your attention for the duration. It’s no surprise that he has been playing this role for 12 years and his grief is genuine.
An emotional and fascinating experience giving a real insight into the tortured soul behind some of the worlds best known paintings. Highly recommended.
4/5 
Scott McKellar
