What it’s about
Set in Nazi-occupied Paris in 1941, “A Picasso” draws audiences into a fictional yet gripping encounter between legendary artist Pablo Picasso and Fräulein Fischer, a cultural attaché of the German occupation. Despite its fictional premise, the play builds upon historical events where Picasso’s art, labeled ‘degenerate’ by the Nazis, is under threat. Directed by the Ben Bard Players, it renders a dramatic portrayal of determination and subtle defiance through art.
Why it matters
The production by the Ben Bard Players, actively encouraged by the Bar-Kayma Association for local arts, glimpses inside a lesser-known but significant narrative of WWII, showing resilience and safeguarding cultural significance even under cultural oppression. It highlights how art can stand as a bastion against tyranny, articulating the complex views and challenges faced while underscoring how essential these cultural treasures are even amidst war.
Inside the play
In this play, Fräulein Fischer aims to secure modern artworks for so-called “private exhibitions” while under Nazi orders. Her mission converts into an inevitable confrontation with Picasso, staged authentically by Howard Metz, making palpable how the world’s fierce reality and moral compromises clash with the quivering tenderness and emotive narratives painted by Picasso himself.
The impact of ‘degenerate’ art
The play pivots around how the oppressive policies of the Nazi regime attempted to extinguish avant-garde creativity by labeling dissident or modern art as “degenerate.” Ironically though, Picasso along with many unidentified Jewish contributors ensured these works didn’t just coast into obscurity. Despite original repressive motives during the Degenerate Art Exhibitions, such art drew intrigue showcasing power framed through creativity even amidst staggering adversity — a relevance strongly resonated among audiences today.
Their resemblance to present discussions
‘A Picasso’ triumphantly stands not only shedding light on WWII’s ugly distortions on this kind of art but peculiarly resonates today’s dialogues concerning whether art must uphold religious or political neutrality or serve statements through unspoken resilient dialogues it exudes just by exploring untarded creativity. A premise potent echoed across the acts masterfully sharing Talmudic narratives loop substantial ethical discussions and rememberance of undefying relentless ethos suffused through past storages ensuring voice unquivered vigor.
This story was first published on jpost.com.