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© Lucciano Espeso
Au Contraire Productions presents Van Gogh & Me, a new play written by John Retallack from an original idea by actor Jack Ellis.
Olivier Award-winning theatre maker John Retallack and acclaimed actor Jack Ellis are reuniting for the first time in over 40 years with Van Gogh & Me, a deeply personal new play exploring the relationship between Van Gogh and Gauguin. With over 20 paintings, it tells the extraordinary story of the intense, nine-week collaboration between Van Gogh and Gauguin in Arles in 1888.
Performed by Jack Ellis, who moves fluidly between an unstable, chaotic Van Gogh and a domineering, self-assured Gauguin, the piece dissects a tragic clash of egos. By playing both men (and himself), Ellis lays bare the undercurrents of toxic masculinity and competitive pride that fuelled their isolation—bringing to life a creative partnership that not only may have changed modern art but proved profoundly destructive for at least one of them.
As the show ends, the audience is invited to remain for a 30-minute interactive gathering. Spectators can step directly onto the stage, examine Rachel Marston’s canvas reproductions up close, and discuss the play openly with Ellis.
Van Gogh & Me will premiere at the Edinburgh Fringe on August 15th at Dovecot Studios and have a run of 21 performances.
PERFORMANCE DATES & TIMES:
13-14 Aug, 12:00: Free ticketed*
15-16, 18-23, 25-30 Aug, 12:00: £15 | £10 conc. | £36 family*
21-23, 27-30 Aug, 15:00: £15 | £10 conc. | £36 family*
*Excluding Fringe booking fee (£1.50)
DURATION: 1hour + (optional) 30min post-show discussion with the performer
AGE GUIDANCE: 12+
Contains distressing or potentially triggering themes - Audience discretion is advised
CREDITS:
Writer and Director – John Retallack
Created by – Jack Ellis and John Retallack
Set Designer – Rachel Marston
Graphic Design – Lucciano Espeso
Production – Au Contraire Productions
Producer – Claire Béjanin
Associate Producer – Manon Lacoste
PR – Clióna Roberts CRPR
Fundraising – Hanaa Skalli
Marketing – Mathilda Balaguer
Follow us on instagram: @vangogh_and_me
