From May 8 through May 17, the Odyssey Theatre presents Picasso: Le Monstre Sacré, a solo performance led by British actor Peter Tate that places the artist’s legacy under direct scrutiny. Staged as part character study and part confrontation, the production positions the audience as jury—asked to weigh brilliance against personal cost.
The framing is deliberate. Pablo Picasso remains one of the most influential figures in modern art, but the production shifts focus from the canvas to the man behind it, examining the relationships and behavior that shaped his life as much as his work.
A Solo Performance Built on Tension
Adapted by Peter Tate and Guy Masterson from The Loves of Picasso by Terri D’Alfonso, the piece unfolds as a controlled, often volatile monologue. Tate carries the performance alone on stage, moving through Picasso’s voice with precision and intensity, constructing a portrait that is as intellectual as it is confrontational.
Directed by Olivier Award winner Guy Masterson, the production leans into restraint rather than spectacle—allowing language, pacing, and performance to drive the experience. On-screen appearances by Sandra Collodel, Claudia Godi, Margot Sikabonyi, and Milena Vukotic extend the narrative without breaking its focus.
The result is a performance that stays close, measured, and direct, avoiding distance between subject and audience.
Revisiting the Artist Behind the Work
At its core, Picasso: Le Monstre Sacré asks a question that has followed the artist for decades: how should history reconcile creative achievement with personal conduct?
The production does not attempt to resolve that tension. Instead, it places it in front of the audience, building a case through Picasso’s own voice—defensive, reflective, and at times unsettling. The structure invites consideration rather than conclusion, allowing each viewer to decide where they stand.
Critical reception from its international run reflects that approach, with reviews noting Tate’s control and the production’s ability to hold attention without excess.
A Limited Run in Los Angeles
The Los Angeles engagement runs for two weeks only at the Odyssey Theatre, a venue known for intimate staging and actor-driven work. With performances scheduled Friday through Sunday, the production remains compact, aligning with its focused, single-performer format.
Event Details
Picasso: Le Monstre Sacré
Odyssey Theatre
2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
Dates: May 8 – May 17, 2026
Preview: May 7 at 8 p.m.
Performance Schedule:
Fridays & Saturdays: 8 p.m.
Sundays: 3 p.m.
Tickets: $15–$35
Photo credits: Photo courtesy of Odyssey Theatre business/venue
