By Mark Clayton Southers
Directed by Monteze Freeland
April 12th – May 4th 2025
Madison Arts Center
Art of Wise uncovers centuries of revisionist history through the paint strokes of two families, one owned by the other yet sharing the same name. At the story’s core, two young women’s potential friendship takes a dramatic turn, with their remarkable artworks becoming a means for one family to attain freedom. This gripping drama opens wounds of the past yet uses art to soothe through music, dance, song, and masterful illustration.
Set in 1822, this is the newest play in Mark Clayton Southers’ 19th Century Collection, which includes such acclaimed works as Miss Julie, Clarissa, and John (PPTCO, 2016-2017), The Bluegrass Mile (PPTCO, 2023), and The Coffin Maker (Pittsburgh Public Theatre, 2024).