Thom Pain: Based on Nothing

Andrew Loviska’s subcutaneous humor & unyielding melancholy bring all the existentialists to the yard at this year’s Fringe LA, in Will Eno’s Thom Pain (based on nothing). In an intentionally rambling monologue, Thom – played by Andrew – aims to tell his life story while he is constantly interrupted by the fact that he’s alive. For those who are fans of rhythmic language and wacky wordplay, Eno’s script will make you vibrate more deeply than a rhythmic riff on an electric bass guitar. And “Yes, AND”ing on this with a didactic performance that made me experience a full range of emotions; I found Andrew’s on-stage presence teasing me to lean in with curiosity about the inner workings of Thom’s eccentric mind, while at the same time p... full review