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In these times when the label “genre-defying” is itself the newest kind of po-mo genre, Will Eno’s 2004 play, Thom Pain (based on nothing), is the rare example of a work of art that earns the label. Technically, it’s a monologue performed by one actor who takes to the stage in a suit and tie. Over the course of an hour he relates, as the eponymous character, the things that are on Thom’s mind: loss of innocence, loss of identity, loss of love. He talks to the audience, and at the audience, too. He considers matters of clothing and language. He drags himself across the existential map of modern life, taking the audience with him. And when he’s done he simply leaves the stage.
Is Thom Pain a confession? A plea for help? An irreverent send-up of life’s predictable path? A stand-up comedian’s monologue (it’s very funny, on top of everything else)?
Well, you’re as good a judge of what it boils down to as anyone else. Really, all we know is we like this play (a truth made more potent—yes, thank you—by C-VILLE’s professional connection to key players in the production) and we want to make it as easy as possible for you to like it, too. Thus, this primer to the action that, if it doesn’t exactly occur on stage, is central to the play.
Emily Flake (www.emilyflakegogo.com), the creator of “Lulu Eightball,” a comic strip that appears weekly in these pages, is another artist whose work resists labeling. Is she a jarringly frank feminist critic? A punster? A pervert? Well, you’re as good a judge of that as anyone else. All we know is we like her work, and her sensibility seems a good match to Will Eno’s.
Live Arts (www.livearts.org) presents Thom Pain (based on nothing) in its regional premiere now through January 27. Make some time for the Pain.—Cathy Harding
Thom recalls his childhood. Bad things happen to his dog. He mentions his wardrobe. And a mud puddle.
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Following the dog incident, his family fails to notice that anything bad had happened to him. Thom makes some changes to his appearance, and puts himself to bed.
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He describes a woman
he has loved, detailing their first meeting. |
Returning to the subject of his childhood, Thom recalls being stung again and again by a horde of bees.
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Thom describes the rifts that appeared in
his relationship. |
Bringing a volunteer on stage, Thom reads a letter from his ex-girlfriend, suffers a minor breakdown.
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The volunteer remains onstage, Thom ends the show.
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