Go ahead –  take the apple. A work of experimental theater that explores the biblical Book of Genesis while comparing it to the modern experience, The Serpent — winner of the 1969 Obie award and arguably the most successful ensemble work ever created —was developed by Jean-Claude van Itallie in collaboration with Joseph Chaikin and the Open Theatre. The playwright describes the work as “a ceremony,” while The New York Times has called it “the seminal work of The Open Theater, America's most important ensemble theatrical workshop.” March 8 – May 3: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. with 4 additional weeknight performances on Wednesday, March 25; Thursday, April 9; Wednesday, April 22; and Thursday, April 30, all at 8 p.m. The third Friday of each month (March 20 and April 17) is “Wine Night”: enjoy complimentary wine and snacks and mingle with the cast after the show. Odyssey Theatre, 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., West Los Angeles, 90025; For reservations and information, call (310) 477-2055 or go to OdysseyTheatre.com.