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PrintWorth reading: Also worth seeing
Spanning more than thirty years of Tulsa theater-going, I saw my favorite play ever performed by a local theater company yesterday, “The Pitmen Painters.” Being not a theater critic, this book critic recommends both the play and the book, “Pitmen Painters. The Ashington Group 1934-1984" by William Feaver.
The Theatre Tulsa play continues to run at Philbrook Museum on July 13, 14 and 16. Cancel any previous engagements and get tickets. You will thank me.
In 1934, a group of miners in Ashington, England, hired a professor to teach an art appreciation class. Thus begins a story so beguiling with characters so real, you want it never to end. Think of it – miners want to learn about art; this really happened. As an audience member or reader, you’ll learn about art, too, no matter how sophisticated you are. If painterly art is not your cup of tea, definitely see this play.
Feaver was an anthropologist who let the pitmen tell their own story and backed it up with reproductions of their paintings, photos, news articles and broadcasts. The play follows these dictates. You will see the miners’ paintings as well as hear their words.
Vern Stephanic directs. He is at his peak and the actors are seasoned. All were destined to this confluence of drama history. Starring in the play are Kurt Harris, Jarrod Kopp, Craig Walter, Don Miller, Nate Gavin, Hunter C, Sara Wilemon, Susan Webb and Micheal Bernart.
A play like this, like the people it portrays, doesn't come along very often. Don’t miss it.
