The Saint Louis University Theatre group will attempt to bring
down the house this weekend with a performance of Steve Martin’s
Picasso at the Lupin Agile. But those expecting a rehash of
the legendary comedian’s work on Saturday Night Live are in
for a surprise–Picasso paints a distinct portrait with broad
swaths of sophistication, mixed with a dash of lowbrow humor for
flair. Ideally, people of high taste, and those with none
whatsover, can all leave the performance with a smile on their
faces.

Picasso’s narrative centers on a fictional meeting
between two of the 20th century’s greatest geniuses and their
subsequent interactions. Albert Einstein encounters the titular
Pablo Picasso within a quaint Parisian café and the two
debate art, science and inevitably sex while surveying the local
ladies. The story is set in the years before World War I, so both
men are still in their early 20s, and far removed from the
weathered visages of the world’s history books.

Director Tom Martin is a veteran of three previous SLU
productions: The Glass Menagerie, The Crucible and Crimes
of the Heart.

When asked what distinguishes Picasso from his previous work,
Martin said “[Picasso] is a play about ideas. It looks at
some of the great ideas from the last century, while at the same
time questions where this century’s ideas are.”

The play is particularly appealing to college-age students, who
can envision their own meteoric rise to fame and acclaim from such
humble beginnings as Humphrey’s or Laclede’s.

In keeping with its forward-thinking reflection on the past,
Picasso features an unnamed third genius from later in the
century to offer his own insights on being a visionary.

Although his identity is never directly stated, the stranger’s
mannerisms will be instantly recognizable to anyone remotely
familiar with pop culture. Needless to say, it’s a welcome surprise
and only adds to Picasso’s charm.

From a technical standpoint, Picasso will challenge the
average Billiken’s perception of what can be done in a small
college production. The stage has been expanded as close to the
audience as possible to allow for a more intimate atmosphere. Sets
are quite detailed, and the swift changes of scenery will keep the
audience engaged throughout the play.