Photo Flash: Performance Network Theatre's A PICASSO

Performance Network Theatre presents Jeffrey Hatcher's taut thriller A PICASSO starring John Manfredi in his PNT debut and Emily Sutton-Smith (THE BAKER'S WIFE, THE HOME TEAM). The show is directed by Tony Caselli (TAKE ME OUT, SUMMER AND SMOKE, STOP KISS, THREE DAYS OF RAIN). It opens in previews June 11 and runs through July 12, 2009.

Set in 1941 in Nazi-occupied Paris, this drama explores the dynamics of art, politics and power. Notorious lothario Pablo Picasso (John Manfredi) finds himself in an underground vault being interrogated by the beautiful and strong-willed Miss Fischer (Emily Sutton-Smith), an agent of the German Ministry of Culture. She needs Picasso to authenticate three works of art that have been confiscated from their Jewish owners. When he discovers that the Nazis intend to feature his works in a public art burning, the interview becomes a high-stakes battle of wills.

The design team is: Monika Essen (costumes and properties), Dan Walker (set), Ken Faulk (sound) and Janine Woods (lighting and technical director).

A PICASSO is made possible by generous contributions from Kensington Court and the estate of Ruthanne Kelly, celebrating the joyful life she lived and theater's place in it.

In 1941, Paris was under Nazi occupation and Picasso had made the risky decision to stay in Paris after being denied reentry to Spain, despite offers of asylum from the US and Mexico. He had been labeled a "degenerate artist" and a symbol of defiance after his painting of the mural Guernica, an anguished response to the Nazi bombing of a Basque town, became famous. At one point, the Gestapo searched Picasso's home and found a postcard of the mural. "Was it you who did this?" the Nazis demanded of Picasso, to which he replied, "No. It was you." A PICASSO captures the defiant spirit of that encounter as Picasso verbally spars with his Nazi interrogator Miss Fischer.

Tickets can be ordered at the Performance Network Box Office at 734.663.0681, online at www.performancenetwork.org or by coming to the Performance Network Theatre (120 East Huron St., Ann Arbor) Monday-Saturday 11-6 or one hour before a performance.

Founded in 1981, Performance Network Theatre has grown from a fledgling company to Ann Arbor's only resident, professional theatre. The Network reaches 40,000 theatre patrons and children each year through the year-round Professional Series and The Children's Theatre Network. Performance Network also presents the Fireside Festival of New Works and a series of classes on theatre-related topics. The Network provides uncompromising artistic leadership in the region and produces works that engage, challenge and inspire audiences and artists.