By Lonnie the Theater Lady
“A Picasso” opens in the basement of a government building in Nazi occupied Paris in 1941. The sparsely decorated, drab, slightly eerie room (Sabrina Hykes-Davis, set design) holds several pieces of art confiscated by the Nazis.
Miss Fischer (Diana Ifft), a former art historian, now serves the German Ministry of Culture. She interrogates Picasso (Andy Cornelius) to confirm the authenticity of three artworks for a “special exhibition,” and he initially verifies all three. When he learns that the works are slated to be publicly burned in a Nazi propaganda event, he denies that the works are his creations.
Note: The Nazis believed “degenerate” (modern or avant-garde art) reflected disorder and decadence colored by Jewish influences that could destroy order and public safety.
Desperate to save his art, Picasso engages in an intricate battle of wits with Fischer. During the course of the interrogation, Picasso relates some background stories that inspired his paintings. These musings uncover intimate details of his personal life, going back to his childhood when his sister tragically died. Details about the loves of his life and his close friendship with fellow Catalan artist Carles Casagemas, provide fascinating insights into who Picasso was.
Ifft is a remarkable Miss Fischer. Her authentic German accent never wavers. (Lisa Ann Goldsmith, dialect coach) She creates a nuanced, relatable Fischer with intricate complexity—a tour-de-force performance.
In a passionately delivered, captivating monologue, Cornelius brings Picasso to life as he cites his reasons for painting “Guernica”. After the bombing of Guernica (a town in the Basque Country) in the Spanish Civil War, Picasso was moved to create this enormous anti-war painting.
The smart, sometimes witty dialogue and a clever plot twist at the end of the play, provide an interesting view of Picasso’s complex personality. Playwright Jeffrey Hatcher poses relevant questions about the effect an oppressive, authoritarian government can have on works of art. This thought-provoking play is sure to stay with you and may even disturb you with its current relevance.
-LtTL
South Park Theatre Runs through October 4 at South Park Theatre. For tickets and additional information, click here.
