Thom Pain Based on Nothing (Acting Edition for Theater Productions)

Will Eno's play was a Pulitzer finalist in 2005 (Doubt, a truly excellent play, won). Thom Pain is a thin male in his 30s. He appears on stage (there is no set, so think of it as you would a stand up comic, without the humor). He is the only character in this play - it is a 31 page monologue.Thom is wounded and scattered. He tells the story of a child whose dog died. Maybe it was Thom, maybe it was just a story. Thom talks to specific audience members, gets distracted by lint on his clothing, rambles and talks about a non-existent raffle. The crux of his speech is about a break up. He was in love once. It's over now and he hasn't recovered. It's tedious to read.Despite that tedium, there are a few good lines:"When did your childhood end?"On getting old: "Nature laughs last, ladies and gentlemen, laughs hardest and best and last, deep into the night, at you.""Love. I was lucky in it, once."

This script was recommended by a friend. Every time I visit NYC there is a Will Eno piece playing somewhere, but I've never attended. This reader's edition was a qualified substitute, at least until I visit the Big Apple again and actually buy a ticket to one of his plays. There are two companion pieces included, Lady Grey being my favorite of the bonus material.

It came in perfect condition as advertised and arrived on time.10/10 would buy again

one of the best plays of the last 20 years.

Another unique creation of a fantastic, original theater mind.

A piece of theatrical garbage

The feeble Dramatists Play Service Inc. booklet for Will Eno's THOM PAIN (based on nothing) arrived missing pages 3-8. I just don't have the time or energy to go through the return process. Will have to imagine my own beginning. Watch out.

(video review) All told.. 70 minutes I'll never get back... that's the pain of Thom Pain...seems a real shame some very talented actors have opted to portray this rambling mess.