Vincent Van Gogh- Field Trip #1

February 1, 2011. My awesome sister who works, has 2 kids, and is recovering from a shoulder injury offered to watch our kids so we could have some "alone" time. My eccentric, fun art teacher had mentioned this play in class that very day so we purchased tickets and enjoyed every minute of it.



I've never been to a play where there is only one character. At first it was a little strange to me. As it went on, I thought how hard it would be to remember all the lines, not to have a break for a drink of water, and how intense the vocabulary was.



Most adults have heard of Vincent Van Gogh, but to hear it from his brothers perspective who supported him throughout his life was a different story.



The actor, Dr. John Newman, did an incredible job portrying Theo (pronounced TAY-oh), Vincent's brother. Throughout the hour I learned several things about Vincent Van Gogh from letters he wrote. It was fun to witness it first hand and be entertained. Here are a few fun facts that you may or may not know about Vincent Van Gogh.

• Vincent's mother had a still born little boy a year prior to Vincent's birth that she also named Vincent. That is why people say he was born 2 times.
• Vincent's father was a pastor and didn't approve of his lifestyle.
• Vincent didn't think he was worth anything, always thought he could do better and be better.
• Only one painting sold in Vincent's lifetime, within the year of his death.
• He was in love with a beautiful woman and borrowed money from Theo to go see her. She didn't love him and wasn't there when he came. He was heartbroken. Vincent had several other unhappy love relationships.
• Vincent became involved with a prostitute named Christine. She had a baby and was pregnant when they met on the streets. He felt the need to take care of them. Their relationship didn't last.
• Theo was a huge financial support throughout Vincents life.
• Vincent lived in an assylum in St. Remy voluntarily. He did many of his paintings there.
• In the last year of Vincent's life, he moved to Auvers, France and completed 200+ pieces of art.
• Vincent's suicide was likely because he didn't want to be a burden on Theo and the rest of his family.
• Theo passed away just 6 months after Vincent of a nervous breakdown.
• We can thank Johanna, Theo's wife, who preserved and helped popularize Vincent's artwork.