The fantastical, turn-of-the-last century romp, Picasso at the Lapin Agile, written by actor, comedian, writer, playwright, producer, musician and composer Steve Martin, premieres at Neely Auditorium at Vanderbilt University on April 7.
In the play, Pablo Picasso and Albert Einstein meet at a French bar on Oct. 8, 1904, just a few years before Einstein publishes his theory of relativity and Picasso paints Les Demoiselles d’Avignon. They have a lengthy debate about the value of genius and talent that attempts to explain, in a light-hearted way, the similarity of the creative process involved in great leaps of imagination in art and science.
“[rquote]Who knew that an imaginary meeting between Picasso, Albert Einstein and a ‘visitor’ in blue suede shoes could be so much fun? Obviously Steve Martin![/rquote]” said director Terryl Hallquist, associate professor of theatre at Vanderbilt. “It’s as fresh today as it was nearly 20 years ago when he wrote it, and we look forward to sharing it with an audience.”
Catch this swift rabbit before it gets away. It plays only one weekend: Picasso at the Lapin Agile will be performed at 8 p.m. on April 7, 8 and 9, and at 2 p.m. on April 10. Admission is $10 for the general public, $7 for graduate and professional students and free for undergraduates with Vanderbilt identification. Tickets may be reserved by calling (615) 322-2404. (This play is inappropriate for children under the age of 13.)
For more information about the 2010-2011 Vanderbilt Theatre Season, visit http://vanderbilt.edu/theatre/currentseason.