Thomas Paine in Violence NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (27)
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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)
"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."
Read more
"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."
Read more