(l-r) John Heath (Einstien), Sarah Kronisch (The Countess), and James Flynn (Gaston) practice for the Emerson Theater Collaborative production “Picasso At The Lapin Agile.’”
story & photo
by Christopher Annino
Emerson Theater Collaborative, founded last year by Emerson College, Boston, alumni Camilla Ross, Lisa Giordano, and Emma Palzere-Rae, already gained attention of local and professional theater organizations. Its mission is to serve the youth, underrepresented communities and artists with an emphasis on diversity by producing innovative and exhilarating theater in SECT. They do so by choosing non-traditional pieces that stimulate the imagination of the audience such as this year’s summer production of “Picasso At The Lapin Agile” written by legendary comedian Steve Martin.
The production is directed by Aaron Arbiter and features the characters of Albert Einstein, played by John Heath, and Pablo Picasso, played by Stephen Sherman. In the story Einstein and Picasso meet at a bar called The Lapin Agile in Montmartre, Paris. Both men are on the verge of an amazing idea (Einstein will publish his “Theory of Relativity” in 1905 and Picasso will paint “Les Demoiselles d’Avignon” in 1907) when they find themselves at The Lapin Agile, where they have a lengthy debate about the value of genius and talent.
“I am very thankful for the support that the community has given us especially Union Baptist Church, Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce and many other people and organizations. This all started with a conversation over coffee and it has evolved into a great thing. The arts are important to society and especially to children. It allows the mind to think freely with creativity,” said Camilla.
Upcoming dates for the producation are July 24 and 25 at the Tansill Theater on the Conn College campus. The production opened on July 17 to a sold out audience. For more information go to www.emersontheatercollaborative.org.
