thomas paine is coming home · 2019-03-19 · thomas paine’s to begin the world over again...
TRANSCRIPT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Ian Ruskin [email protected] www.thelifeofthomaspaine.org
Performance: May 9th, 2019 7:30PM Venue: The Corn Hall, Diss Tickets: thecornhall.co.uk or call 01379 652241
THOMAS PAINE IS COMING HOME
Thomas Paine’s To Begin the World Over Again Written and performed by Ian Ruskin with Elliott Gould as the voice of the Narrator
(March 6, 2019) Leaping from the stage, delighting audiences in America, Ian Ruskin’s acclaimed one-man play brings Thomas Paine home to Diss where Paine worked as a craftsman 250 years ago. He went on to change the world with the wit and vision of his pen. He was one of the world’s greatest writers, and worst politicians. Would it prove to be a deadly combination?
Paine inspired the American Revolution, defined the French Revolution and championed Reason as the basis for our beliefs and morality. He also fought passionately against the institution of Monarchy. His ideas about democracy, equality, slavery, pensions, healthcare, education and morality would have created a very different kind of world if they had been acted on. The man who ignited revolutions would die largely ignored and disdained, yet when he was writing his books and pamphlets he was at the epicenter of world events, literally transforming nations through the power of his words.
On May 9th at Diss’ own Corn Hall Thomas Paine’s To Begin the World Over Again will give audiences an intimate insight into this man and the extraordinary revolutionary changes that he played such an important role in bringing about. The soundtrack of original music by Joe Romano and sound effects by Keith Robinson adds a sense of immediacy, intimacy and power. The film version, directed and shot by legendary filmmaker Haskell Wexler, aired on America’s PBS network for two years. “Unmistakable topicality and human interest infuses To Begin the World Over Again…it is undeniably apropos for the corporatist-beleaguered present. Certainly Ruskin, whose versatility, innate affability and easy delivery lands directly between middle-period Geoffrey Rush and the late Roger Livesey, conveys the truth as he sees it, holding focus…maintaining intrigue…and the essence of Paine emerges…” David C. Nichols, Los Angeles Times
“It’s performance art…nuanced and layered, enlightening…. it’s as if Paine has been brought back to life just to speak to us.” Showmag, Los Angeles
About Ian Ruskin: Ian Ruskin trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, performed in rep throughout England and Scotland, and currently lives in Los Angeles. He has performed his three one-man plays over 300 times to more than 60,000 people. A film version of his first one man show From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Docks, also directed by Haskell Wexler, aired on PBS for four years and was available to millions. Ruskin has produced film and radio documentaries and a major education project for high schools and colleges.