Painting the Stage

Ensemble Theatre Company staged its tour-de-force one-man show Vincent at the New Vic, originally presented by the Santa Barbara Museum of Art in March to sold-out audiences as it mounted its highly acclaimed Vincent Van Gogh exhibition. The play paints a thoughtful, imaginary scenario about one of the most famous names in the art world using excerpts from hundreds of letters exchanged between the artist and his brother Theo. Directed by Brian McDonald, the entertaining play features Charles Pasternak, award-winning actor and designate artistic director of Santa Cruz Shakespeare, in the dual roles. Proceeds from ETC’s two shows benefitted its education and outreach programs, which foster theatre programs throughout the year for local youth.