MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE.- Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and Playhouse on the Square will present Inventing Van Gogh: Art on Stage October 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, and 22, 2005 in the Dorothy K. Hohenberg Auditorium at the Brooks. The co-production marks the first time these two midtown arts institutions have collaborated.

The production is being presented in conjunction with the Brook's exhibition, Berthe Morisot: An Impressionist and Her Circle, on view from October 9, 2005 through January 28, 2006. The exhibition features over 75 paintings and drawings by celebrated French impressionist Berthe Morisot (1841-1895) along with the works of her contemporaries, including Edgar Degas, Claude Monet, Eduard Manet, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

The collaboration honors Brooks and POTS supporter, Andrew Clarkson. Clarkson has been an advocate and generous supporter of both organizations. Presenting sponsor of Inventing Van Gogh: Art on Stage is Fed Ex.

POTS Founder and Executive Producer, Jackie Nichols, says of the collaboration, "Being Midtown neighbors with Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, a co-production has always been an endeavor Kaywin and I have discussed. It wasn't until reading Inventing Van Gogh that we saw the possibilities of it coinciding with the Impressionist exhibition that would be opening in the fall at the museum. Melding two different organizations and patronages can be challenging, but the results are extremely rewarding for both.

Exploring similar ideas and themes through both the visual and performing arts allows us to look at the product in many different ways. A co-production such as this also provides both of our audiences the opportunity to explore the many rich talents and offerings our community has to share. Oh yeah, and it can also be a lot of fun!"

"We are very excited about this opportunity to collaborate with our dedicated colleagues at Playhouse on the Square," states Brooks Museum Director Kaywin Feldman. "Hosting Inventing Van Gogh at the Brooks Museum while the exhibition of Berthe Morisot's work is on view will enable our guests to explore the richness of the visual and performing arts that occurred in nineteenth-century Paris. This was a dynamic time period in which performances at theaters and cafes influenced painting and vice versa."

Inventing Van Gogh is the story of Van Gogh's "lost" final self-portrait. The two-act show takes place in the studio of contemporary artist, Patrick Stone. The tortured Van Gogh and his one-time colleague, Paul Gauguin, visit Stone and the two argue and debate the validity of impressionism, Van Gogh's work and philosophy, and relive their famed and tumultuous relationship.

Internationally acclaimed playwright Steve Dietz leads the audience on a journey in to the minds and worlds of these two great painters. Time moves back and forth from France in the late 1800's to the present as the contemporary art world collides with the lives of legendary 19th-Century painters in a play about love, forgery, mystery and artistic creation.

Inventing Van Gogh is directed by Chicago Guest Artist Rob Satterlee (Book of Days, Proof, Side Man) and hosts an all-star Memphis cast that includes Jonathon Lamer (Book of Days, Copenhagen) as artist Patrick Stone, Scott Duff as Vincent Van Gogh, Brian Mott (Quills, The Eight: Reindeer Monologues) doubling in the roles of Bouchard and Gauguin, Jeff Godsey (Book of Days, The Memory of Water) doubling as Dr. Miller and Dr. Gachet, and Playhouse newcomer, Joanna Lipman (Quills, The Eight: Reindeer Monologues) as Hallie and Marguerite.

There will be an Opening Night Gala on Saturday, October 15 featuring a cocktail hour and exhibition viewing, followed by a performance and a 3-course dinner at the Brushmark. Gala guests will have an opportunity to meet the director and interact with members of the cast while enjoying Impressionist-inspired cuisine by Chef Penny McCraw. Gala tickets are $125 per person. Seating is limited for this very special evening. Individual performance tickets are $20. Brooks members and POTS subscribers receive a $5 discount. Special weekday matinee performances are scheduled for students and seniors at a discounted rate of $5 per ticket. Please visit our websites for further information: www.playhouseonthesquare.org, www.brooksmuseum.org, or call the Box Office to make reservations: 901-726-4656.