Helen Goldwyn as Jackson Pollock’s widow in Lee [Giacomo Giannelli]

SET in 1969, artist Lee Krasner (Helen Goldwyn), widow of Jackson Pollock (Tom Andrews), is painting in her Long Island studio when local delivery boy and aspiring art student Hank (Will Bagnall) interrupts, seeking advice on his portfolio.

Cian Griffin’s engaging drama explores the life and art of the Abstract Expressionist painter, whose career was eclipsed by her husband’s, and suggests she inspired Pollock as much as he inspired her.

It’s 13 years after Pollock’s death, but he continues to haunt Lee – commenting on her work, offering unsolicited advice, and blaming her for their lack of children. She rails back at him for his philandering and alcoholism.

But it’s the encounter between Lee and Hank that proves most compelling. She’s initially fierce and curt, implying he lacks the commitment or talent to pursue art, as well as the resilience she gained as the daughter of Russian-Jewish immigrants. Gradually, she softens towards him, recognising that he is grieving the loss of his father.

It turns out Hank has another reason for visiting her and as this thread unfolds, we see how Lee was overshadowed by her husband’s stature, like so many female artists before and after her.

She claims she shortened her birth name to Lee, so that her art wouldn’t be immediately dismissed as that of a woman.

The production is subtly directed by Jason Moore and beautifully designed by Ian Nicholas, who also recreated Krasner’s paintings that adorn the walls.

Warmly recommended.

Until October 18
parktheatre.co.uk