Citizen Paine

You want a Tea Party? We’ll show you a Tea Party!

Performed by: Adam Altman
Directed by John Doyle
Produced by: Iron Age Theatre (PA)

“My country is the world, and my religion is to do good.” – Thomas Paine

The Pennsylvania-based Iron Age Theatre brings Citizen Paine to New York City for "The 9.13 Project," playing along with their other production of Howard Zinn's Marx in Soho.

Thomas Paine, most radical of the American Revolutionaries, considers his life and philosophy. Our forgotten Founding Father, a Citizen of the World, may offer some Common Sense to the world today and reinvigorate the promise of America.

"Underappreciated rabble-rouser (is there any other kind?) Thomas Paine receives the appreciation denied him in life (1737-1809) and since in William Hollenbach's gripping one-man tribute, Citizen Paine. While awaiting a court decision on his revoked voting rights -- 'denying a man his vote is like denying his soul!' -- Adam Altman as a fiery Paine graces us with his story and views. His pro-freedom, pro-equality passions resonate today: how can we not hear our healthcare debate in 'Should America not make itself great by the treatment of its people?' Sadly, we're still waiting for the Common Sense and Age of Reason (his two famous books) Paine demanded."
Mark Cofta, The Citypaper