Writer/performer Ian Ruskin masterfully impersonates Thomas Paine in his new solo show, To Begin the World Over Again, which will be seen at two different L.A. venues over the next few weeks (in rep with another solo show of his, From Wharf Rats to Lords of the Docks,about Harry Bridges).
Paine, an intellectual who bravely spoke out in 1776 in favor of freedom and equality for whites and blacks, men and women alike, influenced Thomas Jefferson when he was writing the Declaration of Independence. Paine's books, pamphlets and speeches on reason, justice and democracy stirred the conscience of the world and brought him fame -- and controversy as well, largely thanks to his fiery attacks on organized religion ("the bible is nothing but a history of wickedness," he insisted).
Paine's outspokenness and rebelliousness eventually got him in trouble with the authorities in the USA, Britain and France. He was vilified by his enemies, who called him a tool of Satan, a drunk, a dangerous rabble-rouser, a madman. Still, he refused to censor himself, kept speaking truth to power, no matter what the consequences. When he died in 1809 (at 72), only six people attended his funeral, three of whom were freed slaves.
Using only a few sound effects and video images, plus a bit of music, Ruskin (clad in period costume) holds the stage as Paine, using his strong, British-inflected voice (he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) to hold the audience's attention. At times quoting directly from Paine, at other times encapsulating the "apostle of freedom's" views, or describing the key events in his life, Ruskin pays worthy tribute to one of the greatest, bravest men who ever lived.
