Thomas Paine In Violence is really weird, but really awesome. Paul Pinto, who you might know as your favorite troika driver Balaga in The Great Comet, wrote and stars in this absurdist electronic opera that is playing downtown at HERE. Reminiscent of a 1960's Star Trek episode, this show is creepy...but in a good way! It's a 75-minute theatrical fever dream that kinda feels like Hamilton on acid.
If you're the kind of person who needs to "get" what's going on when they see a piece of theater, this show isn't for you. However, challenge yourself to get out of your comfort zone a bit and embrace the absurdity of it all and you'll have an extremely enjoyable night out at the theater. It is energizing, funny, and a truly tremendous work of art that you'll be thinking about it for a long time afterwards.
Bonus: Tickets are only $25!
Photos: Benjamin Heller
Thomas Paine In Violence runs through November 18.