Chagall · 12-Sided Hallway

In a 12-sided building called the Hive (La Ruche), young painters lived and worked to make their way as artists in to the Salons of Paris. How did a friendly, 24-year old, Jewish painter from a small town in Russia (who'd never been anywhere else) make a career for himself, here?

This biographical play lyrically depicts the rise of Marc Chagall as he basically 'gets a ride into town' - the mecca of the art world - and is dropped off with a satchel full of paintings along the streets of Paris. The oldest of seven and the apple of his mother's eye, Chagall leaves the fish-monger's family to become a painter in the ever-changing world of art.

The play attempts to explain how he goes from nobody to Salon solo-show artist in the highly competitive world of Master artists, but adds more than just a glimpse into the adjoining studios, bringing to light fledgling careers - some who did not fair as well and some who did. The play buzzes with energy from the clustered studios which housed great artists like Modigliani, Diego Rivera, Leger, and Picasso.

The poets, authors, models, and other painters Chagall encountered - or where even hive-mates - make up his world so alive with inspiration and longing for his muse back home. He takes a risk staying true to his artistic origins - the art he'd learned as a young painter in Vitebsk. Does this decision make a statement or a hurdle among the Avant Gaarde who make their way from streets to Salons by breaking tradition and defying convention?

Discover what this author found when she went to answer the question, why is Chagall's name among the Master painters, even today, whereas someone like Marevna's - another painter of the group's - is not. A must-read play for artists in this modern age.