"I'm no collaborator. I'm a forger," exclaims Han Van Meegeren in Another Vermeer, defending his actions. In real life the Dutch artist Van Meegeren was tried in 1947 for trading a "Vermeer" canvas to Hermann Gรถring. Because Van Meegeren forged the Vermeer and then exchanged it for 200 original Dutch paintings seized by the Nazi field marshal at the beginning of the war, Van Meegeren claimed he was a national hero.
These facts form the basis of Bruce J. Robinson's cultured play. But more than complicity is at issue in the script. Commercialism and art, politics and art, religion and art, even drug use and art -- these are the subjects of banter and bashing. All starts off grand. Certainly the handsome, painterly set (Jeff G. Rack) remains a highlight, a perfect frame for the action. And the casting is a marvel of 99-Seat theatre: five actors who fit the bill in age and look and who have chops. Somehow things deteriorate along the way, however.
No blame can be laid on Robert Mackenzie, playing Van Meegeren. The actor gives us one of those boorish, manic boundary pushers who can paint a canvas as delicate, evocative, even perfect as Vermeer's. We believe his Van Meegeren believes he is painting his final work. We believe his character laughed it off when (real-life) art critic Abraham Bredius called him "mediocrity in a smock." And as the critic, James Sloyan brings a realistic simplicity to the stage.
But there seem to be too many unplayable moments. Whether they are the work of the playwright or of director Alex Craig Mann, they need a touch-up. As Van Meegeren's former professor, Allen Williams is a walking mass of pomposity; but when he shows up later as Vermeer, in period costume, the storytelling slides downhill. Suddenly the prison door is no longer locked, the characters having free access to the cell. No matter whether this is a metaphor or an error in direction; unlike Vermeer's canvasses, the light we first felt is gone.
Presented by Theatre 40 at the Reuben Cordova Theatre,
241 Moreno Dr., Beverly Hills.
Repertory schedule. Feb. 9-Mar. 9.
(310) 364-0535. www.theatre40.org.