The Hunger Artist

Information

Have you ever given so much of YOURSELF to something you LOVE, there’s nothing left of YOU?

How far would you go to find MEANING, to fulfil your PASSION?

The artist’s condition…..the eternal reflection of this is a reminder that what we live on is…..HOPE.

What is Art? And what does it mean to be an Artist?

Franz Kafka’s ‘Hunger Artist’ nourishes his soul the only way he knows how,
by starving himself, in his small, barred cage, before crowds of spectators, some admiring, some sneering and contemptuous.

Seeking acclaim for his craft and acceptance, validation, spiritual meaning and perhaps love from his audience, this is his ‘art’ and, though often torturous for him, he will stop at nothing in his pursuit of perfection.

In this, Franz Kafka’s final work, he died on 3rd June 1924, we celebrate his life and work with this Solo retelling of this dramatic short story.

Kafka was editing "A Hunger Artist" on his deathbed, a story whose composition he had begun before his own throat closed to the point that he himself could not take any more nourishment.

Actor: Jonathan Sidgwick (Eastenders, Coronation Street, Hollyoaks, The Mousetrap – West End Tour)

Jon has worked several times for Steven Berkoff (Messiah at The Old Vic; Oedipus - Edinburgh Festival, Spoleto Festival, USA) and Steven has suggested this text for Jon’s debut Solo Show.

“I am hugely grateful to Steven for this and delighted to be returning to the Etcetera Theatre!”

(Please note: Mr. Berkoff is not directing this show, but has been extremely supportive in guiding my efforts!) N.B. Mr. Berkoff is not directing

Co-producer: Sushant Nair, Actinium Media

Technician, Lighting & Programme Design: Sushant Nair

Composer: Mark Glentworth

Photography & Co-Artistic Director: Jeremy Clark

Sponsorship: Simon James Morgan and Training Day Roleplay UK

Rehearsals and guidance: Val Colgan, Natasha Cobby and Ariella Eshed