WHAT ART IS AND WHAT ART IS GOOD ART (2026)
Developed for the 2026 Cincinnati Fringe Festival (with more festivals potentially forthcoming), What Art Is and What Art Is Good Art is a two-person comedy that is “part lecture, part debate, and part personal confession” (Liz Eichler, League of Cincinnati Theatres). As self-proclaimed scholars Ben and Liz try to come up with an objective definition of art, it becomes increasingly clear that they are in way over their heads. Don’t worry, though. That doesn’t stop them from flailing for an answer.
Videos
TRAILER 1: Ben recalls the years he spent magically stuck inside various works of art.
TRAILER 2: Liz explains her lifelong obsession with recreating the works of Andrew Wyeth.
The introduction video that begins the play, featuring voiceover by Jared Earland.
The primary poster
Alternate poster
Public domain promotional photo
The poster for Ben's one-man show that is alluded to in the play
A study Liz has been conducting unbeknownst to Ben
Ben painted this in college.
Ben creates a system for instantly numerically evaluating art, handing Liz a pamphlet to read on the topic. Despite no one in the audience ever seeing the pamphlet, the whole thing exists.
The inside pages.
Liz encourages Ben to finally explain what art is. (Photo by Jeff Burkle)
Ben stalls by pointing out details in Jan van Eyck's painting. (Photo by Jeff Burkle)
Liz explains why she tricked Ben into thinking he had love in his life. (Photo by Jeff Burkle)
Ben explains that one of the only ways to be a bad artist is to get business cards that say you're an artist. (Photo by Jeff Burkle)
Begrudgingly, Ben and Liz admit that kissing can be an art. (Photo by Jeff Burkle)
Ben hates how he looks in photos but loves his depictions in ACTUAL art. (Photo by Jeff Burkle)
The lightning round includes a bit of a trigger warning for dogs. (Photo by Jeff Burkle)
It says "Master of Arts" right on Ben's diploma. (Photo by Jeff Burkle)
For 15 minutes before the show, the audience enjoyed a series of slides consisting of trivia, word scrambles, and fun facts.
Ben proves that photography is not great. (Photo by Jeff Burkle)
