Paint

"Paint," the world premiere of a play by Epic Theatre Company's Kevin Broccoli, chronicles the odyssey of an artist from prehistoric times to the distant future.

It's an unusual concept for a play, but it succeeds because of the energetic performances and some sharp dialogue. There is also some unique commentary on the roles of the artist in society and what inspires artists in the work they produce.

Steph Rodger ("The Revolutionists") plays basically the same character with a variety of names beginning with B: Berga, Bertha, Beth, Brenda, etc. Her goal is always the same: to paint a picture of her deceased mother.

The story unfolds in a series of two-hander scenes. We start off with the artist in a cave during the dawn of man, then fast forward thousands of years. The evolution of society and the role of art in shaping that society serves as the backdrop of the artist's quest for fulfillment.

Rodger is an engaging performer and handles the variations of the artist character adeptly.

The supporting performances are all terrific. I especially liked Mary Paolino ("Dorothy, Rose, Sophia, and Blanche") as a no-nonsense nun who is offended by a painting in a convent. Paolino and Rodger engage in an interesting discussion about what qualifies someone as an artist.

Nancy Winokoor is fun as a conceited British model. Taylor Corbett is effective as a flaky New York bohemian. Paula Glen beautifully conveys the emptiness of a suburban housewife who finds solace in art.

Gabriella Sanchez plays the sister of Rebecca (Rodger) during the Civil War. Sanchez and Rodger share a powerful moment when a shocking family secret is revealed.

Broccoli, who also directed, has created a fascinating look at the world of artists and their motivations. Art can serve as a reflection of our lives, our feelings, and our histories. It captivates and it sometimes offends. We need art in our world and we need artists to produce their visions, whether its paintings, songs, books, plays, or motion pictures.

"Paint" is a tribute to creativity and entertains as it immerses us in several locations.

Epic Theatre Company's production is staged in Artists Exchange's black box theatre. The set design is simple: just two ladders and a white sheet hanging over the stage. But what's really on display is a great deal of imagination and quirky characters inhabited by a talented group of performers.

"Paint" runs through November 23. Epic Theatre Company. 50 Rolfe Square, Cranston, RI. For tickets, visit https://www.epictheatreri.org or https://www.artists-exchange.org/events.