This Thom No Pain At All
Eno's Script And Superb Performance Makes This Evening Definitely Worth While
Will Eno's one-man stand-up performance piece, oddly titled Thom Pain (based on nothing) opened this week at the Tarragon Theatre Extra Space starring Tom McCamus.
The evening starts out in pitch black, with a voice saying, "it's nice to see you". Following that, you're taken on a 55 minute roller coaster ride with a show that has been called "existentialism stand-up".
Will Eno, who was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Thom Pain (based on nothing) performed the show off-Broadway, receiving critical and audience acclaim for his work. Rather large shoes to fit into, but Tom McCamus fits them well in the Tarragon Theatre production, which is also the Toronto premiere of the show.
Thom Pain (based on nothing) is hard to describe, as it doesn't fit into a lot of theatrical classifications. In it, Thom Pain shares stories about a young boy who sees his dog get electrocuted, who grows up emotionally malnurished and who inexplicably finds a woman he loves and proceeds to destroy their relationship. In between regaling us with details of these two stories, Pain talks directly to the audience, and breaks down the 4th wall in a way that turns the play into a declaration - almost like you're in a support group, listening to one of the members describe their lives to you.
McCamus does a superb job at handling the complexities of Eno's text, and he has found a wonderful balance between the humour and the sadness behind the character and his life. He is haunting and deliciously funny in the role, and it's hard to imagine a better Canadian actor to handle the piece.
Jennifer Tarver helmed the production, and is in fine form as usual. She directs the production with a soft hand, allowing McCamus to fully engulf himself in the role. Her brisk pacing allows the audience to never rest, which is exactly what this piece needs.
Thom Pain (based on nothing) is a fascinating piece of theatre, and bravo to the Tarragon for programming such an interesting piece as part of their season. If you are tired of the usual theatre adventure, check out Thom Pain - because when you get to the heart of it, it's not a pain at all, and is definitely not nothing.
Thom Pain (based on nothing)
Tarragon Theatre, Toronto
Starring Tom McCamus
Directed by Jennifer Tarver
Now playing until December 17th, 2006
For ticket and show information, click here.
**** (out of five)
