After its world premiere in Seattle, a tour through Arizona and dates in Queens, New York, the Flying Karamazov Brothers bring their MIT-inspired L'Universe to Berkeley April 12-May 19. The production, directed by Carys Kresny, plays the Roda Theatre.

L'Universe, in Karamazov style, will explore the cosmology of the universe, revealing its secrets via action, technology and comic verse. Other Brothers shows have included the music and rhythm piece, Sharps, Flats and Accidentals, Catch and Room Service.

L'Universe marks the group's first collaboration with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Media Laboratory. Described in their press as "America's premiere think tank and home to the finest nerds in the land," MIT's Media Laboratory incorporates new technology that has never yet been used for the stage into the show — such as the sonar transducers and accelerometers which allow the Brothers to shape music with their bodies.

Take note, however, this Karamazov presentation will not feature the infamous "The Challenge," where the Brothers will juggle any object the audience brings to them. The release notes: "Do not bring bowling balls, dead fish, bags of feathers or other items you wouldn't normally carry in your purse or wallet."

Tickets are $40-$52. The Roda Theatre is located at 2025 Addison Street. For reservations, call the Berkeley Repertory box office at (510) 647 2949. L'Universe is on the web at http://www.luniversefkb.com. — By Christine Ehren