The Pitmen Painters - ePublication
THE STORY: THE PITMEN PAINTERS is based on the triumphant true story of a group of British miners who discover a new way to express themselves and unexpectedly become art-world sensations. An arresting and witty salute to the power of individual expression and the collective spirit, THE PITMEN PAINTERS takes you on an unforgettable journey from the depths of the mine to the heights of fame.
“…a feel-good—make that a feel-great—hit…inspirational…heartbreakingly funny…the art discussions between the technically naive painters and their tutor are so intellectually engaging and such rollicking good fun. Who should make art? What makes art? What does art make of its maker? Who owns art? And how much should art cost, anyway? The conversation that comes out when these guys sit down and try to figure it all out is an art in itself.” —Variety.
“…heartfelt, moving and deeply politicized…endlessly fascinating to anyone with an interest in the role of the arts in education, or the intersection between folk art and establishment art…created with love.” —Chicago Tribune.
“Written partly in response to cuts in arts endowments and education, [the play] belongs to a fine old British tradition of establishment-challenging theater. And there’s no denying that Mr. Hall makes a valiant case for art as a fruitful stimulant to sleepy minds…excitingly ambiguous, in-the-moment theater, as rich and intriguing as Art (as we are told here) is meant to be.” —The New York Times.