Friends, lovers, adversaries, or collaborators?

The details of the relationship between Mary Cassatt and Edgar Degas eludes us: he the difficult Frenchman, she the strong-willed American, both had an artistic kinship that developed into a 40-year friendship. Though no real evidence of a physical relationship has been found, there is evidence that each had an influence on the other’s paintings and sculptures.

A 2014 visit to the Degas-Cassatt exhibit at the National Gallery inspired playwright Chris Ward to explore that relationship. After a year of extensive research, he finished the play The Independents. Very few first-hand accounts exist, yet Ward brings their tumultuous connection to life with great accuracy, authenticity, and humor. Their razor-sharp wit on display as neither one would back down from a good fight. The Independents will entertain and bring to life two of the most iconic impressionist artists of all time.

This play, presented by A Classic Theatre, stars Heather Eggleston as Mary Cassatt and Kelly McTaggart as Edgar Degas. It is produced by Cindy Alexander and directed by Jean Rahner.

The play will run over two consecutive weekends, November 13-15 and 20-22 at the St. Augustine Art Association.