A bit of personal history: A very long time ago, when I was an art major, one of my favorite painters (like so many others…art major or not) was Vincent van Gogh. He still is. His bombastic painting style, his poetic letters to his brother, his death at an early age, spoke to my young, sensitive heart and artistic sensibilities. Even Don McClean’s melancholy song “Vincent” still sometimes moves me immensely whenever I hear it. So, I was excited – thrilled, actually – to get to write about not only a favorite artist, but a previously locally based talent who’s now pursuing his life’s passion in New Orleans. He’s returning to Springfield for one weekend only, to tell the story of van Gogh in a truly unconventional fashion.
Exhausted Paint, directed by R’Myni Watson, with tour direction by Carly Stroud, is described as a frenetic one-man-show that takes you through a tilt-a-whirl exploration of Vincent van Gogh’s life, heart and legacy. This 70-minute one-act, written by Justin Maxwell, explores the life of one of the world’s most famous painters through the lens of disorientation and struggle. Van Gogh takes you from scene to scene of his life – the order of which is determined by a wheel that is spun before you. Yes, you read that right. There’s some audience interaction and a bit of randomness based on the spin of a wheel and the adeptness of a skilled actor who’s along for the ride. The wheel holds various letters that signify specific moments throughout van Gogh’s life, all contributing to a final, chilling conclusion. After the initial scene, the actor will spin the wheel and perform the scene appropriate to that letter. Only the opening and conclusion are set.
Actor Drew Stroud impressed audiences in Springfield with several memorable performances. He is currently a New Orleans-based actor and MFA candidate at the University of New Orleans. Some of his other roles include Richard III (Richard III), Mr. Blake (Mud, River, Stone), Azdak (The Caucasian Chalk Circle), and Paul (Barefoot in the Park). Additionally, Drew and his wife, Carly cofounded the Springfield-based improv troupe, Capital City Improv.
I had the opportunity to get Drew’s thoughts about the show, his return to an area where he made his mark as an actor and what the role means to him.
What has been the most challenging part about taking on this role?
The most challenging part would have to be the random order. It essentially eliminates van Gogh’s character arc, and makes defining the throughline a bit more difficult. It means as an actor, I can’t rely on that natural arc and have to find a different journey every night. While being challenging, it is also somewhat rewarding, because it allows me to go on a new journey with Vincent every night.
What most excites you about returning to Springfield with a one-man show?
I think there’s definitely something poetic. Tomorrow (April 10) I defend my thesis for my MFA, three years after packing up and leaving Springfield. But it is Springfield, my first post-college theatrical playground, that helped inspire me to chase after my dream and get my MFA. I get to come back to the place that defined me as an actor and sort of share what I’ve learned the past three years with them. The timing is just perfect.
What do you want audiences to know before coming to Exhausted Paint?
Exhausted Paint shows us a very raw van Gogh. You are going to see him in states of complete mania, moments of complete depression, moments of bliss and happiness. It’s a heavy show at times – but it also has so much room for humor. If you know van Gogh, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation of the madness behind the man. If you know nothing about van Gogh, you’ll learn the plight of an artist who burned out before he really had a chance to shine.
For this van Gogh fan, I look forward to the blissful, exhausting mania to come. Please be advised this show contains adult language and themes and may not be suitable for all audiences. There may be an audience talk back after each show.
Exhausted Paint runs for one weekend only, April 14, 15 and 16 in the Peggy Ryder Theatre at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. Tickets can be purchased at https://www.hcfta.org/tickets or by calling the box office at 217-523-2787.
Mary Young, born and raised in Springfield, has been performing in, producing and directing live theater for decades. She she’s done film and voice-over work and performs with the improv troupe The Portuguese Rodeo Clown Company.
This article appears in Spring Home & Garden 2023.
