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.
Returning to the Etcetera after 18 excellently reviewed shows in 2024!
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 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!)

"Cocaine" by Pendleton King is a one-act play that delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil caused by drug addiction. The story centres on the character of a young man, Joe, once full of potential, whose life spirals downward as he becomes consumed by his addiction to cocaine. He struggles with the overwhelming cravings and the need to escape from reality. Also, caught in the turmoil of growing cocaine addiction is Nora, who wrestles with feelings of love, helplessness, and frustration.
Through these characters, King explores themes of dependency, self-destruction, and the impact of addiction on relationships.
King's writing is poignant in its portrayal of the human psyche, and the work is rich in themes of self-deception, moral decay, and the conflict between desire and consequence, making it a powerful commentary on the broader societal issue of drug addiction.