Picasso at the Lapin Agile Concept Statement
I want to set this play in the most realistic setting I can, in which everything is accurate in its historical sense. By creating an accurate representation of the real Lapin Agile, the script itself can shine through as an abstract piece. I want this play to be similar to The Sandbox in that it is grounded in reality, while the action and speech of the play itself focuses on abstract ideas, and whimsical aspects such as time traveling. Each character will be dressed in historically accurate clothing, but will still reflect aspects of each characters personality. Picasso will be a bit disheveled, but still have a somewhat put together look, so that his moodiness can shine through. Einstein will be neatly groomed, and also well put together because he is trying to impress his authorities, so that his discoveries can be shared by the scientific community. Schmendiman will wear something loud and obnoxious to reflect the commercialism that he embodies. Characters such as Freddy, Gaston, Germaine, Suzanne, and the female admirer will all have ordinary clothing for the time period, but each will suggest their age and perhaps their relationship to the other characters in the play. The Countess will be wearing an extravagant dress to reflect her wealth. The visitor will wear stereotypical Elvis attire.
Freddy: Wool vest in dark gray, navy tie with small white checkers, white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up, brown leather shoes.
Gaston: Wool vest in brown, black tie, white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up. Dress shirt is not tucked in completely, and his suspenders can be seen, indicating his frequent bathroom breaks. Brown leather shoes. (use same line drawing from Freddy, change face, and pattern on clothing)
Germaine: Soft yellow, clean cut dress with a bodice, emphasizing the waist. White heels. Hair is up in 1900s twist style, almost Gibson girl.
Albert Einstein: Dark brown, three piece suit- dark red vest, black tie, white dress shirt. Well put together, but his suit is not expensive. Brown dress shoes.
Suzanne: Plain skirt in black and white button up blouse- somewhat matronly. Changes into white lace blouse- exposes collarbone, more flirtatious and feminine. Black heels.
Sagot:White three piece suit with a dark green tie. Appears rich, but lacks accessories, indicating he is not as rich as he would like people to believe. Black dress shoes.
Pablo Picasso: White dress shirt, with blue sash around the neck. Wool pants in dark grey, jacket in navy-darker than sash.
Schmendiman: Three piece suit is time appropriate in cut- suit jacket has a rounded tail, yellow with brown plaid-like pattern. Brown tie, brown dress shoes. Comically large top hat?
The Countess: Time period appropriate, but extravagant dress. Hair accessories with feathers perhaps. Fine jewelry in small amounts. Wool cape when she comes in?
A Female Admirer: Modest dress, clean cut lines, navy with white polka dots. Could be wearing a coat coming from outside
The Visitor: Blue suede shoes. Checkered pattern shirt with a black sash tied around neck. Denim jacket with the collar up. Blue jeans.
