The Titillating Tale of Damien Hirst’s Gay Hole
An infectious play by Sleth explores infatuation and fame through an imagined relationship between Hirst and his gay lover, a younger artist whose paintings consist of holes on the ground.
A peculiar off-off-Broadway production called "The Wreck of the Unbelievable" explores the enigmatic life of renowned artist Damien Hirst through the lens of a fantastical premise. The story revolves around Hirst's alleged secret relationship with a gay man named Shape, played by playwright Sleth. As the play begins, Hirst is found dead, sprawled on a disheveled mattress, much like the provocative artwork of Tracey Emin from 1998.
The production, running for over 80 minutes, delves into the nature of infatuation and the sacrifices made by artists who chase fame and fortune. Upon entering the theater, theatergoers are greeted by Hirst's old friend Mara, who has since become an assistant curator at the Guggenheim Museum. Shape's skepticism towards Mara's interest in the affair is evident as she questions the true nature of Hirst's personality.
The set design and direction are praised for their tightness and poetic moments, such as when Shape and Mara revisit their bohemian days with a puff of smoke and a Surrealist flourish signifying memory. The use of UV light to reveal eerie scenes reminiscent of Sandy Skoglund's haunting photographs adds an intriguing layer to the play.
Despite the offbeat premise, the seemingly hungover Hirst remains alive and straight, to the best of our knowledge. However, the play's focus on Hirst's secret affair and the motivations behind it serves as a unique exploration of obsession and the costs associated with an artist's relentless pursuit of success.
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