Other events in the series include an acting workshop with actor, director and acting coach Martin Thompson, a lecture by Davidson College professor Nina Serebrennikov on the art forgery episode at the center of “Masterpiece,” and an audience talkback with “Masterpiece” playwright Meir Ribalow.

“Masterpiece” runs Feb. 25 to March 13 at Armour Street Theater in Davidson. It’s a drama that focuses on one of the most famous modern art forgery cases. The play follows Flemish artist Han van Meegeren, who successfully forges a “masterpiece” by Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer to retaliate against a hostile and powerful art critic. The painting is sold for a small fortune, and it’s not until nine years later that a mysterious investigator appears and the unraveling begins. (Ticket information below.)

‘MASTERPIECE’ AND ITS EVENTS

Free screening: Girl with a Pearl Earring, Thursday, Feb. 17, 5 and 7:30 p.m., Our Town Cinemas, 227 Griffith St. – Free screening of the film “Girl With a Pearl Earring.” The film stars Colin Firth and Scarlett Johannson and is a biography of the artist Johannes Vermeer build around one of his most enduring portraits. Reservations required. Call 704-892-7953 to reserve your seat.

Martin Thompson

Acting workshop; “Making the Most of Your Monologue”, Saturday, Feb. 26, 1-4 p.m., Armour Street Theater, 307 N. Armour St., Davidson – Bring a monologue to work on in this class with Martin Thompson, actor, coach and the director of Davidson Community Players’ “Masterpiece.” Open to those at least 16 years. Registration limited to 10. Call 704-892-7953 to register.

Lecture: Nina Serebrennikov, Monday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m., Davidson College Belk Visual Arts Center, Main and Griffith Streets – Dr. Serebrennikov will speak on “The Ven Meegeren-Vermeer Forgery Episode and Art Authenticity.” Cal 704-892-7953 to reserve a seat.

On stage: “Masterpiece,” Feb. 25 to March 13, Armour Street Theatre, Armour and Watson streets – Davidson Community Players explores visual art with Meir Ribalow’s thrilling “Masterpiece.” Based on the actual events of the 20th century’s most notorious forgery scandal, the drama follows Flemish artist Han van Meegeren who successfully forges a “masterpiece” by Dutch painter Johannes Vermeer to retaliate against a hostile and powerful art critic. The painting is sold for a small fortune to the Nazis, and it is not until nine years later that a mysterious investigator appears and the unraveling begins. Performances Feb. 24-26, March 3-5, March 11-12 at 8 p.m.; Sundays Feb. 27, March 6 and 13 at 2 p.m. General admission $18 adults, $15 seniors 65+ and $10 students. For tickets or information, www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org

Meir Ribalow

Meet the playwright/audience talkback, Friday, March 4, and Saturday, March 5, Armour Street Theater – Playwright Meir Z. Ribalow, author of “Masterpiece,” will talk following the evening performances on those nights. With 23 plays and 175 productions to his credit, Mr. Ribalow is a writer, director and teacher. He also is a critic for several periodicals and is a former production associate at NY Shakespeare Festival, founded the American Repertory Co. of London and is currently artist-in-residence at Fordham University and artistic director of North Carolina’s New River Dramatists.

‘MASTERPIECE’ AUDITIONS

Auditions for “Masterpiece” will be Wednesday and Thursday from 7-9 p.m. at Armour Street Theater, 307 Armour St.

“Masterpiece” is a new play based on a 20th century art forgery scandal. It explores questions of reality and illusion, what is great art and who gets to decide, and the relationship between love, passion and truth. The play is based on the true story of Han van Meegeren, a Dutch artist and master forger who created fake Vermeer paintings in the 1930-40s and sold them to the Nazis.

“Masterpiece” was first presented in Davidson in summer 2008 as a staged reading by New River Dramatists. Davidson Community Player’s production marks the regional premier of the play, and will be directed by Charlotte director, actor and acting coach Martin Thompson.

The production will run Feb. 24-March 13.

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script. A prepared monologue may be presented, but is not required. Auditionees should plan to arrive by 8 p.m. and need only attend one session. Auditionees should bring a resume or list of theatre experience, a recent picture and a list of conflicts for the January thru mid-March 2011 time period.

Roles available are Bredius, an elegant, distinguished, and learned man in his 50s or 60s;  Jo, a blazingly intelligent and outspoken woman in her 40s; Han Van Meegeren, a male in his 40s; Wooning, a calm, quiet man of indeterminate age.

‘RAGTIME’ AUDITIONS

Auditions for “Ragtime” are planned Sunday and Monday, Jan. 23-24.  Roles will be available for actors/singers/dancers of a wide variety of ages, ethnicities, and types including African American males and females ages 16 and over.

More information about Davidson Community Players is available at www.davidsoncommunityplayers.org or by contacting artistic director Melissa Ohlman-Roberge at 704-892-7953 or email melissa@davidsoncommunityplayers.org.