By Matthew Blank
05 Nov 2009

The world premiere of Richard Foreman's Idiot Savant opened at the Public Theater Nov. 4. The production stars Willem Dafoe in the title role.

The work is described by the Public as "a wild theatrical odyssey that could only have sprung from the fantastical mind of Richard Foreman, New York's legendary avant-garde genius. This new work is a philosophical comedy, in the great tradition of Ionesco and Preston Sturges. From precise existential and metaphysical acrobatics, to a ridiculous game of inter-species golf with a Giant Duck, Idiot Savant is a fresh, bracing and hilarious exploration of the boundaries of the legitimate."

Joining Dafoe onstage are Alenka Kraigher as Marie, Elina Löwensohn as Olga, with Joel Israel, Eric Magnus and Daniel Allen Nelson as Slaves.

Here is a look at the opening reception held at the theatre:

View the Entire Photo Gallery Willem Dafoe Photo by Aubrey Reuben

For tickets visit PublicTheater.

The Public Theater is located at 425 Lafayette Street in Manhattan.