Provenance

by Jennifer Maisel

Canvas. Pencil. Paint. How can one piece of art tear at the hearts of generations?
Provenance is a suspenseful uplifting play about the life of a sensual, unusual portrait from its beginnings in early 1900s German society, through its theft by the Nazis and its subsequent travels around the world. The play is La Ronde-esque, with actors playing multiple roles.

Canvas. Pencil. Paint. How can one piece of art tear at the hearts of generations?
Provenance is a suspenseful uplifting play about the life of a sensual, unusual portrait from its beginnings in early 1900s German society, through its theft by the Nazis and its subsequent travels around the world. The play is La Ronde-esque, with actors playing multiple roles.

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Provenance

Recommended by

  • Brianna Barrett: Provenance by Jennifer Maisel
    “

    An emotionally resonant journey spanning a century, following the legacy of a portrait as it intertwines with the lives of multiple generations, from its creation to its purchase by a young Jewish art collector, through World War II, and beyond. Descendants of Holocaust survivors and perpetrators grapple with their inherited legacies over time, and those histories (and their emotional tolls) are explored with nuance. I loved this play, I found it very moving, and I’d love to see it produced.

    An emotionally resonant journey spanning a century, following the legacy of a portrait as it intertwines with the lives of multiple generations, from its creation to its purchase by a young Jewish art collector, through World War II, and beyond. Descendants of Holocaust survivors and perpetrators grapple with their inherited legacies over time, and those histories (and their emotional tolls) are explored with nuance. I loved this play, I found it very moving, and I’d love to see it produced.

    ”
  • James Moran: Provenance by Jennifer Maisel
    “

    This play about family and a living work of art is suffused with the beat, rhythm, and propulsion of a living work of art.

    This play about family and a living work of art is suffused with the beat, rhythm, and propulsion of a living work of art.

    ”
  • Matt Schatz: Provenance by Jennifer Maisel
    “

    A beautiful play with a fascinating and innovative structure. I love the way that the flexibility of cast size is built. I love the lyrical language. The way Maisel takes you through time in her plays is always interesting. I treasure her work.

    A beautiful play with a fascinating and innovative structure. I love the way that the flexibility of cast size is built. I love the lyrical language. The way Maisel takes you through time in her plays is always interesting. I treasure her work.

    ”
View all 7 recommendations