The iconic one-man show by Will Eno, translated into more than 15 languages and 2005 Pulitzer Prize finalist, is coming to Vienna. Directed by Jason Cloud, actor Lauri Elling takes on the role of the tragicomic character Thom Pain who ponders the existential emptiness of life and being. Heartbreaking and endearing, his rambling monologue brings back the memories of the first bee sting, the first loss of a best friend, the loss of oneself in a romantic relationship.
Thom Pain (based on nothing) opened at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2004, receiving rave reviews and winning the First Fringe Award, among other prizes. Dubbed “stand-up existentialism” by The New York Times, it is lyrical and deadpan, both sardonic and sincere. It is Thom Pain – in the camouflage of the common man – fumbling with his heart, squinting into the light. It has since then been performed in over 100 productions across the United States and the world, most notable productions including the Soho Theatre in London and Off-Broadway in New York City.
The Telegraph:
“It’s hard to imagine more dazzling writing on any stage”
The New York Times:
“It’s one of those treasured nights in the theater – treasured nights everywhere, for that matter, that can leave you both breathless with exhilaration and, depending on your sensitivity to meditations on the bleak and beautiful mysteries of human experience, in a puddle of tears. Also in stitches, here and there. Speechless, in any case”
