The absurdist comedy by American humorist Steve Martin imagines a meeting between Albert Einstein and Pablo Picasso in a Parisian cafe in 1904, just before the renowned scientist transformed physics with his theory of relativity and the celebrated painter sets the art world afire with cubism.
Ghostlight’s production will explore the struggles and similarities between science and art, but also between genius and fame, big ideas and mere notions and optimism of the new and skepticism of the familiar.
“The play imagines the absurd and mundane in the lives of two men who really did go on to impact the world and alter history,” Director Holly Robison said. “With Picasso, we are asked to consider the men as much as the myth, to see their flaws, silliness, insecurities, hopes and dreams, as much as their towering legacies. The mythic men are humanized. We can see ourselves in them and understand their desires.
“Even if we are not all geniuses, we all, to some degree, have the same flicker of desire to create, to inspire, to change the world and leave something behind.”
The show stars: Maggie Antonijevic (The Countess/Female Admirer), Norman J. Burt (Charles Dabernow Schmendiman), Zach Finch (Albert Einstein), Joe Dougherty (A Visitor), Sean Harklerode (Gaston), Miona Lee (Germaine), Tim Lee (Freddy), Kat Moraros (Sagot), Sebastian Summers (Pablo Picasso) and Alejandra Vivanco (Suzanne).
Picasso at the Lapin Agile runs October 19, 2018, through November 4, 2018, at the Otherworld Theatre’s new home at 3914 N. Clark Street in Chicago. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. with one industry evening performance at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, October 22, 2018. Tickets are $20 General Admission, $15 Seniors and Students and available in advance through Brown Paper Tickets.
Find out more about Ghostlight Ensemble and its entire 2018-2019 Season here.
