2024 Season

The Contest

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written and directred by Gary Graves
Oct 19–Nov 17

World Premiere #75: an Exquisite Rivalry

Michelangelo vs. Leonardo da Vinci

Florence in 1504, the height of the Italian Renaissance, the two greatest artists of the era:  Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarroti–one the recognized master of science and painting, the other a young wizard with stone, having just completed the statue of David to wild acclaim.  Each assigned to paint a magnificent battle scene on one of two opposing walls in the Great Hall of the Republic.  And the people of Florence will decide which is the best:  the aging master or the arrogant upstart?  The winner set to be known as the greatest artist of the day.  But has Michelangelo ever even painted anything before?  And who would arrange such a devious competition?  Niccolo Machiavelli, of course.  What was he thinking?

 

The Contest is a SF Chronicle DATEBOOK PICK!

 

Single Tickets

Fri-Sun: $35-45
Thu & previews: pay-what-you-can

Day of Performance Discounts

Fri-Sun: sliding scale $45-$20 at noon day of show

Information & subscriber reservations

Call 510.558.1381

Please note: We reserve seats only for subscribers; general seating for all other ticket-holders.

Performance calendar

(note 7pm showtime on Saturdays!)

Thu Fri Sat Sun
Oct 17
8pm
Preview
18
8pm
Preview
19
7pm
Opening
20
5pm
24
8pm
25
8pm
26
7pm
27
5pm
31
8pm
Nov 1
8pm
2
7pm
3
5pm
7
8pm
8
8pm
9
7pm
10
5pm
14
8pm
15
8pm
16
7pm
17
5pm

Running Time

75 minutes with no intermission

Nathaniel Andalis* (Michelangelo Buonarroti)
Alan Coyne (Niccoló Machiavelli)
Christopher Herold* (Leonardo da Vinci)

Stage Management: Natalia Rivera-Ramos
Costume design: Tammy Berlin
Sound design: Gregory Scharpen

* appear through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States.

The young Michelangelo (Nathaniel Andalis*) is celebrated as a sculptor…but how can he compete against Leonardo in a painting competition?

Central Works presents world premiere #75: The Contest by Gary Graves,  Oct 19- Nov 17 at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Avenue, Berkeley.

Photo by Robbie Sweeny

Leonardo da Vinci (Christopher Herold*), the brilliant painter, draughtsman, engineer, scientist, theorist, sculptor, and architect, looks for inspiration for his next commission.

Central Works presents world premiere #75: The Contest by Gary Graves,  Oct 19- Nov 17 at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Avenue, Berkeley.

Photo by Robbie Sweeny

The young Michelangelo (Nathaniel Andalis*) is bursting with talent…and, when pressed by Niccolo Machiavelli (Alan Coyne),  temperament.

Central Works presents world premiere #75: The Contest by Gary Graves,  Oct 19- Nov 17 at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Avenue, Berkeley.

Photo by Robbie Sweeny

Niccolò Machiavelli (Alan Coyne), as Chancellor for the The Ten-the ruling body of Florence, has a scheme to bring Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo Buonarotti together in a great painting competition.

Central Works presents world premiere #75: The Contest by Gary Graves,  Oct 19- Nov 17 at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Avenue, Berkeley.
* all actors appear through the courtesy of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States

More photos HERE

 

Photo by Robbie Sweeny

The Contest is a SF Chronicle Datebook Pick!

5 STARS: “a gripping exploration of genius, competition, and the quest for immortality through art…a must see production” -J. Cillo, For All Events

“fascinating historical and dramatic story…outstanding acting…first-rate direction” -E. Mendel, Berkeleyside

“don’t miss The Contest…Central Works offers us insights into ART as currency for POWER.” -Mary Lou Herlihy, Theatrius

“the verbal richness of The Contest script  helps to anchor the action, and the superb acting keeps us focused” -S. Dunn, Reviews Bay Area 

“a fascinating web of artistic and political intrigue with three very fine actors demonstrating their impressive talents” -S. Hogarty, East Bay Times

The Contest is a visionary wonder” -P. Morin, Front Row Review

 


Machiavelli (Alan Coyne) is summoned by Michelangelo to a bathhouse to negotiate the deal.

 


Leonardo (l. Christopher Herold*) and Michelangelo (r. Nathaniel Andalis) share little in common, including the philosophies of Realism and Romanticism in art.

 


Michelangelo (Nathaniel Andalis*) sneaks into Leonardo’s rooms to steal a look at his opponent’s work.

 


Leonardo (Christopher Herold) is flamboyant in his dress, but meticulous in his work.

 

*member AEA
photos: Robbie Sweeny