Described as a “quirky, intelligent, understated comedy”, Picasso at the Lapin Agile is the first and only play written by American actor and comedian Steve Martin.
The premise sounds like the beginning of a joke .... Picasso and Einstein walk into a bar.
It’s 1904 and the bar is called the Lapin Agile, which Picasso was known to frequent as a young man.
“It’s a discussion about disruptors - in this case Picasso in art and Einstein in science,” Myers said.
After an animated exchange, Picasso and Einstein eventually realise their abilities are equally valuable.
Once the main characters have reached their moment of insight, “the Visitor” - a man from the future - crashes the party. The “Visitor” is another well-known disruptor - a charismatic, dark-haired singer, who has time-warped from a later era.
“People will have to wait and find out [who it is] for themselves,” Myers says.
In the play, the two geniuses muse on the century’s achievements and prospects, as well as other fanciful topics.
Picasso is being played by Myles Ashworth while Brent Charles Forge is Einstein.
Other cast members include Kevin Haggard as bartender Freddy and Danielle Siata as his girlfriend, Germaine.
Myers purposely chose a cast she knew would put the work in behind the scenes, leaving them to learn their lines over the summer break.
“You don’t want to over-rehearse it or it can lose its punch.”
Myers said it was coming together well and they should be “off-book” within the next week or so.
“It’s all about comedic timing and the cast is rising to the challenge.”
Evolution Theatre has a varied programme planned for 2025 including Alfred Hitchcock’s The 39 Steps.
What: Picasso at the Lupin Agile
When: February 27 - March 9
Tickets: Available online at Trybooking or at iSite.
