“The Contest” Breathes Life into Italian Power Struggle—at Central Works
Gary Graves & Three Superb Actors Reimagine Renaissance Power
by Mary Lou Herlihy
Playwright and director Gary Graves brings us reimagined perspectives on Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarotti. He transports us to the height of the Italian Renaissance where the world’s most celebrated artists become Niccolo Machiavelli’s pawns in the “Great Italian Paint-off”!
Graves’ new play, “The Contest,” marvelously humanizes two of the world’s most celebrated Renaissance artists; da Vinci (mesmerizing Christopher Herold) and Michelangelo (brooding Nathaniel Andalis). Fierce arguments with their boss over schedules, money, and contracts, reveal their humanity and cunning.
Their boss, Machiavelli (captivating Alan Coyne), is concerned only with maintaining the power of Florence and his own power. The art and its creators are merely pawns in his game. The two famous artists are popular and in demand and therefore, valuable commodities.
Graves and his trio of top-flight actors bring this new and fascinating historical gem to life at Central Works—in the magnificent Berkeley City Club. Modern-day clothing and slang transport us from sixteenth century Florence to today with surprising ease. Playful, fast-paced dialogue spices the history with emotion and humor.
At the heart of the story is a battle of wills. Machiavelli pits da Vinci against Michelangelo in a painting competition. Machiavelli degrades rather than elevates their status. He lathers on compliments and hurls insults in the service of his powerful political masters.
Shouting matches between him and his hired hands frequently erupt into hilarious “F-bombs,” as Machiavelli clings to his tenuous position of power.
Christopher Herold brilliantly imbues da Vinci with force and wit enough to run circles around Machiavelli. He’s a successful engineer, scientist, architect, and painter. He dresses in showy, tailored, gold brocade jackets with flowery ascots and colorful socks. He’s a dandy who spends Florence’s money on clothes for himself and his people. He’s nobody’s fool.
Michelangelo is younger, romantic, and insecure. In his ubiquitous hoodie and jeans, Nathaniel Andalis’ Michelangelo glows with youthful naiveté and passion. His superpower against corruption comes from his willingness to follow his heart. Through bouts of self-doubt, Michelangelo devotes himself to the divine human form, fearlessly.
Characters come and go quickly as scenes fly by, closing with provocative blackouts. Sublime audio mixes by Gregory Scharpen punctuate the Florentine moments with bells, chanting, voices, and thunderclaps.
Don’t miss “The Contest” before the election! Central Works offers us insights into ART as currency for POWER. Kudos to Gary Graves and the team at Central Works for a WINNING production.
“The Contest” –written & directed by Gary Graves, costumes by Tammy Berlin, lighting by Gary Graves, sound by Gregory Scharpen. Info: centralworks.org – to November 17, 2024.
Cast: Nathaniel Andalis, Alan Coyne, and Christopher Herold.
Banner photo: Michelangelo Buonarotti (Nathaniel Andalis) and Leonardo da Vinci (Christopher Herold) are engaged in a competition to determine who is the greatest painter in Florence. Photos by Robbie Sweeny