The Hunger Artist by Franz Kafka

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What is Art? And what does it mean to be an Artist?
And how far would you go for the thing you loved the most?
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 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.
This is Franz Kafka’s final work, he died on 3rd June 1924, and this evening 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 after playing John in Miss Julie here in 2014!”
(Please note: Mr. Berkoff is not directing this show, but has been extremely supportive in guiding my efforts!)

Co-producer: Sushant Nair
Technician, Lighting & Programme Design: Sushant Nair
Composer: Mark Glentworth
Photography: Jeremy Clark
Sponsorship: Simon James Morgan and Training Day Roleplay UK
Rehearsals and guidance: Val Colgan, Natasha Cobby and Ariella Eshed.