
THEATRE
PICASSO
WHAT? Theatre Picasso
WHERE? Tate Modern, Level 4, The George Economou Gallery, Blavatnik Building, Bankside, London SE1 9TG
WHEN? Now until 12 April 2026
WHY GO? To applaud the master. If you have a flair for the theatrical you will love this surprising new staging of a Picasso exhibition. You might get a sense of déjà vu at yet another Picasso show on the circuit, but this one is different. It celebrates his passion for the theatre and especially focuses on one of his most famous paintings, The Three Dancers(1925), coinciding with Tate Modern’s own 25th anniversary year. This diverse show is staged by artist/filmmaker Wu Tsang and writer/curator Enrique Fuenteblanca. It is designed around an imaginary stage, both inside and behind the scenes, with paintings grouped in theatrical tableaux. It celebrates Picasso’s fascination with all things theatrical from the circus and acrobats to bullfighting and flamenco, with a nod to his own participation in theatre projects. Serious Picasso fans may have seen many of the works before, but not interpreted like this. Large-scale videos roll alongside staged paintings and the overall effect is cinematic and show-stopping. This is instant art gratification for culture lovers.
IN THE KNOW Devotees won’t be able to resist a souvenir from the exhibition gift shop where Picasso’s iconic Dove of Peace is emblazoned on mugs, and Le Rêve on tote bags. Look out for Picasso-inspired collage kits, framed lithographs or the ultimate gift to treasure, Picasso: An Intimate Portrait.
Pablo Picasso, The Three Dancers, 1925. Tate. © Succession Picasso/DACS 2024.