Thomas Paine in Violence
Closed 1h 20m
Thomas Paine in Violence
52

Thomas Paine in Violence NYC Reviews and Tickets

52%
(27 Ratings)
Positive
41%
Mixed
18%
Negative
41%
Members say
Confusing, Ambitious, Excruciating, Slow, Dizzying

About the Show

HERE Arts Center presents this electronic, psychedelic opera-sermon set in a cosmic radio station in the afterlife of the Thomas Paine, the Founding Father and international activist.

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Show-Score Member Reviews (27)

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82 Reviews | 21 Followers
85
Dizzying, Intense, Riveting, Thought-provoking

See it if You're looking for something that's going to take you outside of your theatrical comfort zone.

Don't see it if You're looking for a traditional opera/play, or if you need a linear narrative in order to enjoy a show. Read more

112 Reviews | 28 Followers
84
Great staging, Intense, Refreshing, Dizzying

See it if you are a fan of the avante garde and enjoy extremely non-traditional theatre

Don't see it if you are scared of anything non-traditional, don’t like being in total darkness or flashing lights, or prefer standard melodies Read more

195 Reviews | 86 Followers
78
Ambitious, Well sung by committed cast, Top notch sound design, Irreverent, quirky experiemental opera

See it if you appreciate experimental/new music (musical language I've not encountered before); you like the great Joan La Babara; you're adventurous

Don't see it if you're not prepared to leave conventional notions of melody and meaning at the door; you dislike avant-garde structure, or irreverent wit Read more

103 Reviews | 12 Followers
75
Great acting, Great staging, Relevant, Excruciating, Slow

See it if You want to be mildly confused (in a good way) for 75 minutes, like absurdist theater, want a bizarre futuristic look at Thomas Paine

Don't see it if The term "synth-opera" sounds like torture to you (because it is indeed a synth-opera), if loud, disjointed sounds/lights bother you

67 Reviews | 33 Followers
74
Ambitious, Confusing, Intense, Relevant, Profound

See it if experimental theater or social commentary interest you. Both a political indictment of class warfare & entertaining vocal gymnastics!

Don't see it if you want a typical theater experience. Wild mix of spoken word & avant garde operatics. Much of production occurs in the dark with strobes.

72 Reviews | 38 Followers
73
Ambitious, Clever, Great singing, Indulgent, Slow

See it if you're a big fan of Joan La Barbara or experimental opera

Don't see it if you have a problem with lots of flashing lights Read more

1166 Reviews | 464 Followers
66
Entertaining, Dizzying, Confusing, Energetic, Edgy

See it if You enjoy performance art or shows that come at you loud and in your face. The performances are full of energy and interesting.

Don't see it if You expect to learn anything about Thomas Paine or experience any of his many profound quotes. This is more about interesting performance. Read more

163 Reviews | 113 Followers
60
Ambitious, Confusing, Great singing, Indulgent

See it if you like non-traditional music theater.

Don't see it if you want a linear plot or traditionally structured songs.

Critic Reviews (2)

Theatre is Easy
November 13th, 2017

"The incomparable La Barbara has a presence that’s both enigmatic and regal...Occasionally, I felt lost in a flood of information and sensory stimuli. Fortunately there are enough moments of substance that can pull one back from these distractions...It's a thoughtful piece that entertains before making a lasting, more serious impression...The piece will kindle your interest in Paine’s political theories."
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C
November 14th, 2017

"It’s a haunting performance, one that causes us to lean in and demands attention be paid...Pinto and Burkhardt do right by never taking the material too seriously or talking down to their audience and there is an enormous amount of fun to be had...What starts out seeming like an amusing vocal exercise slowly becomes a heartbreaking and arresting modern translation of Paine’s revolutionary words."
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