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Picture this: Picasso and Einstein walk into a bar �

That is the comedic setup for Theatrikos� March production "Picasso at the Lapin Agile."

Written by actor and comedian Steve Martin in 1993, this absurd comedy of historical fiction takes place in the Parisian cafe, Le Lapin Agile, in 1904. During its 90-minute runtime, the show observes world-famous painter Pablo Picasso and groundbreaking scientist Albert Einstein as they engage in energetic discussion about love, art, science and what it means to be human at the turn of the century.

John Forsythe, the show’s director, has acted with Theatrikos Theatre Company before; however, "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" is the first show he’s directed at the local playhouse.

“I auditioned for 'The Gods of Comedy' last year,� says Forsythe. “I helped with the physical comedy, movement, viewpoints, vocals � that sort of thing. Then they recruited me to direct for this season.�

Forsythe has directed 52 shows during his 44 years of theatre experience, but this is his first time getting to direct this particular play.

“I tend to not direct shows twice. I like challenges, so I’m always looking for something new,� he says.

He has spent about 25 of those 44 years focused on directing, and he has enjoyed bringing Martin’s script to life. When describing his vision for the production, he expressed a desire to balance intelligent exploration of humanity’s progression and the silliness of Martin’s humor.

“[Martin] wrote this in the 90s looking at the upcoming millennium change,� he says. “My take on the show is to try and do service to the deeper thought that lies underneath it about what makes us humans in the 20th century and how that moves forward into this millennium, but also to do service to the silliness that is inherent in being Steve Martin.�

Forsythe explained that it’s about finding that “balance of entertainment� between absurdist comedy and philosophical reflection -- which lies at the heart of Picasso and Einstein’s union at the Lapin Agile.

“It’s the setup of a joke,� says Forsythe, “but it’s setting up the joke with these two incredibly brilliant people that were both responsible for breakthroughs in their particular fields.�

The absurdist premise of Picasso and Einstein debating art versus science -- just before Picasso invented Cubism and Einstein published the "Theory of Relativity" -- opens the audience up to a variety of considerations about the importance of beauty and inspiration to the human condition.

In reference to their debate, Forsythe remarks, “Inspiration strikes both the physicist and the painter in a very beautiful way � and they’re both concerned with the beauty of what they create, and not just a utilitarian or frivolous product.�

A slew of other compelling and dynamic characters join these revolutionaries for a drink in Le Lapin Agile.

“Einstein and Picasso were two of the largest roles, but the next two largest roles are Freddy and Germaine, who are historical characters,� says Forsythe.

Although they are lesser-known historical figures, Germaine is inspired by one of Picasso’s lovers, Germaine Pichot, while Freddy is based on Frédé Gérard, the owner of Le Lapin Agile and its Montmartre cabaret -- which is still a cabaret spot to this day.

In Martin’s depiction of Le Lapin Agile, Freddy is the bar’s owner while Germaine, his lover, works with him as a waitress. Their presence softens the edges of Picasso and Einstein’s debate, adding a new dimension to Martin’s interpretation of the modern human condition.

Forsythe emphasizes the importance of these two characters, stating, “Germaine represents, in my mind, the modern woman. And Freddy represents the ‘everyday Joe� at his ‘Joe job� who is often underestimated, but that can have the depth of thought on the level of Picasso and Einstein -- and sometimes outshine them.�

Forsythe also references another significant character, known as “The Visitor,� whose presence serves to represent the time and place our millennium is most immersed in. Forsythe describes the character as the “third person� in Einstein and Picasso’s discussion.

“We don’t just live our lives on that razor edge that Einstein and Picasso live on,� he says. “[The Visitor] represents the movement in popular culture, rather than high aesthetics or ground-breaking science. And that’s in large part the place that most of us live in more, rather than where Picasso and Einstein are.�

Forsythe says his favorite part about directing "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" is working with the actors, whose diverse backgrounds contribute unique perspectives.

“They’re really dedicated, incredibly smart people. There’s three college professors, medical practitioners, an archeologist, a couple of lawyers,� says Forsythe. “Working on a play that is this rich with people with that many perspectives has been incredible.�

The cast members are extensively involved in shaping the direction of the show, as Forsythe describes the highly collaborative dramaturgy sessions led by assistant director Adam Wintz.

“Rather than just doing research and coming in and presenting to us, each of those dramaturgy sessions has included several cast members, who also lend their understanding to the physics, history, the art and so on,� says Forsythe. “It's been more of a discussion, and we’ve all grown because of it. So, that’s been brilliant, I've loved that.�

The new executive director Jeremy Blunt, volunteer coordinator Bracken Davis and the show’s costumers have all served as devoted members to the team.

“Everyone has stepped up and wanted to make this the best thing that they could for the limited resources that we have as a community theatre.�

An upcoming trend in theatre -- and something that will be new for Theatrikos, according to Forsythe -- is the zero-intermission format the play will follow. Forsythe says Broadway shows traditionally structured in two acts are now being reduced to one act by removing the intermission. A big reason for doing this with "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" is to maintain the show’s natural buildup to the final conclusion.

“The Greeks talked about three unities; the unity of time, place and action,� says Forsythe. “And this [play] does have those three unities: they don’t go anywhere, we don’t change sets, it all takes place within that 90 minutes.�

This shorter format also allows for greater flexibility in the busy schedule of the “modern human being.�

“You can still go out for a drink, or have a bite to eat or whatever right afterward ... or get home early if you have to get up in the morning,� says Forsythe. “We may see more of that at Theatrikos if the audiences like it.�

With its unique blend of historical fiction, philosophical reflection and absurd comedy, "Picasso at the Lapin Agile" promises to be a thought-provoking and entertaining experience. Don’t pass up on a drink at Le Lapin Agile!

If you’re interested in a humorous take on philosophical discussions, tickets for the March 14-30 production are available online at