REVIEWS
“Those odds (and the price to be paid) are set forth tangibly in Ritchie’s capture of a mercurial genius, self-centred and maddening, driven not only by artistic inspiration but a sense of grievance, only very occasionally paused by gratitude.” - Liz Nicholls, 12th Night (Read the full review here.)
“I was enjoying watching the performance – at one specific point I was so captivated by the beautiful projections” - Louise Mallory, Ephemeral Pleasures (Read the full review here.)
“It’s a reminder of the genius of the impoverished artist, (portrayed by Shadow newcomer Andrew Ritchie); a manic-like character who, we understand, only sold one painting in his short lifetime; told what he created was worthless junk. He was troubled; perhaps mad.” - Lucy Haines, A Few Words (Read the full review here.)
“I have never heard of her…. This has to be a play.” - Liz Nicholls, 12th Night (Read the full preview here.)
WHAT AUDIENCES ARE SAYING
“What an intriguing piece, showcasing a much unknown tale…Vincent (played to tortured perfection by Andrew Ritchie”
“After Mourning - Before Van Gogh is a beautiful exploration of family, loyalty, and grief”
“A very touching story”
“I saw it last night. I cried. It’s rare that a play has me in tears, but this one did. Loved it.”
“Great show, vivid set, the projections of Van Gogh work was beautiful.”
After Mourning - Before Van Gogh by Michael Czuba
A World Premiere. Produced by Shadow Theatre.
In 1891, Johanna Bonger, widow of Vincent van Gogh’s brother Theo, finds herself in possession of all of Vincent’s artwork–over 600 pieces. Though she is told to rid herself of the “worthless art”, she refuses, and passionately takes on the mission to bring Vincent’s work to the forefront of the art world. After Mourning – Before van Gogh follows Johanna on her tireless 35- year journey to give the work of van Gogh the attention it deserves.
PREMIERE CREATIVE TEAM
Co-Directors: John Hudson & Lana MichelleHughes
Set & Lighting Designer: Ami Farrow
Costume Designer: Leona Brausen
Multi-Media Designer: Matt Schuurman
Sound Designer: Dave Clarke
Stage Manager: Gina Moe
Intimacy Director: Morgan Yamada
Production Manager: Tiana Tolley McLean
Vincent Van Gogh/ Vincent Willem: Andrew Ritchie
Older Joanna: Lora Brovald
Younger Joanna: Donna-Leny Hansen
Dries/Johan: Fatmi Yassine El Fassi El Fihri
Theo: Steven Greenfield