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Vincent Van Gogh once said, "If you hear a voice within you say 'you cannot paint,' then by all means paint, and that voice will be silenced."
Auditory hallucinations and schizophrenia likely were not what he was referring to, but as a new production at the Beckmann Theatre suggests, art might be just the thing to quiet those kinds of voices, too.
"Asylum" opened at the Beckmann's new home -- the 110-year-old Laundry Building on the former Central State Hospital campus -- on Friday night. The play runs through May 22.
With "Asylum," the Beckmann arrives -- to borrow words from the playwright -- as "a group of artists creating works of startling range at (the former) Central State Hospital."
Written by David Schanker, "Asylum" tells the story of Dr. Jonathan Mangold, former chief psychologist at Central State, and his art program for treatment-resistant schizophrenics. The play, which explores the ability of art to alleviate the symptoms of chronic mental illness, also chronicles Mangold's efforts to keep the hospital open. Central State closed in 1994.
As the play opens, Mangold has joined the hospital's staff as the facility prepares to close. Mangold, a veteran whose institutionalization for Vietnam-related post-traumatic stress disorder has taught him the therapeutic benefits of art, starts a successful art program for patients.
"You should have seen him draw," Mangold tells a colleague, referring to a patient. "It was like something sleeping inside him had wakened. . . . It was as if a portion of his psychosis had fallen away."
To forestall the hospital's closure, Mangold mounts a patient art show. Meanwhile, art helps his patients "feel like people again."
Mangold asks: "What is it that art does for a schizophrenic? . . . Art enables these patients to see -- if only in the act of creating -- who they are."
In the end, Central State closes; but art succeeds where institutionalization fails: by bringing self-identity and dignity to Mangold's patients.
Schanker's script shows the mark of craft; it is well-written, evenly paced and delivers a compelling story.
Rita Kohn's direction keeps the play brisk and dynamic. Casting on all fronts is outstanding, especially James Leagre, who brings to the role of Dr. Mangold passion that carries what is a difficult part.
A thoughtful set and resourceful lighting transform the Laundry Building into a winning space. A drawback, however, is the overflight noise; the building is apparently on a flight approach to the airport.
"Asylum" stands as a convincing testament to the power of art, especially drama of the type Beckmann delivers with this production.
Call Star reporter Nick Crews at (317) 444-6078.