The Sul Ross State University Theatre Program will perform “Art,” a Tony Award-winning comedy, on weekends from Oct. 11-27.

Written by award-winning playwright Yasmina Reza, “Art” is about the breakdown of a 15-year friendship between three middle-aged men. Serge spends a small fortune on a white painting, a simple act that enrages Marc and leads to a seismic shift in their friendship. Yvan, who is about to be married, is stuck in the middle of his two warring best friends.

“Art” premiered at the Wyndhams Theatre in London in 1996 and starred Albert Finney, Tom Courtena and Ken Stott. In 1998, “Art” was produced on Broadway at the Royale Theatre starring Alan Alda, Victor Garber and Alfred Molina, and won the Tony Award for Best Play that year.

“’Art’ is both a comedy and tragedy,” said Director and Associate Professor of Communication and Theatre Marjorie Scott. “The dialogue is witty and incisive and the ideas the play explores are profound. We choose our friends and sometimes we choose them for reasons that keep us stuck in an identity that no longer facilitates our growth and happiness. Are we friends with someone because of who they need us to be? Or because of a mutual desire to support one another through the inevitable changes life brings? What happens when friends prevent each other from being who they really are? Does it cease to be a friendship? These are important questions, and ‘Art’ manages to ask them in a highly entertaining way.”

“Art” opens Friday, Oct. 11, at the Fine Arts Studio Theatre on the Sul Ross campus in Alpine. Performances run Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. through Oct. 27. Tickets are $15 for general admission and seniors 65 and older. Veterans and SRSU students, faculty and staff receive free admission. To purchase tickets, visit www.bit.ly/sulross-theatre.

This play contains mature themes, some profanity and brief depictions of violence and is recommended for audience ages 14 and over.

Photo: From left: Cristian Sanchez, Justin Hinton and Garrison Rutledge rehearse a scene from “Art” by Yasmina Reza in the Fine Arts Building Studio Theatre.