Absurdist Theatre and Circus Magic hosted by Diana Wortham Theatre - January 19

Described by London’s Time Out magazine as “hilarious and enormously talented,” Tomáš Kubínek: Certified Lunatic and Master of the Impossible brings his collision of absurdist theatre and circus magic to Diana Wortham Theatre, Saturday January 19, 2013, at 8:00 pm. Via comedy, clowning, mime, magic, acrobatics, and music, Kubinek’s exuberant show is equal parts comic brilliance, virtuosic vaudeville, and irresistible charm.

Born in Prague, Kubínek and his parents left Czechoslovakia when he was only 3 years old to escape the 1968 Soviet Invasion and were granted asylum in Ontario, Canada. It was there that a young Tomáš witnessed his first circus, which sparked a passionate interest in clowns, circus, theatre, and magic. After he began performing in his early teens, Kubínek saved money and traveled to Europe to study with some of the world’s greatest teachers of theatre. Through experimentation with live performance, and his various studies and collaborations, Kubínek developed an entertaining and thrilling style all his own.

Tomáš Kubínek has appeared in over 30 countries around the world. He was the headline performer at the First International Congress of Fools in Moscow, toured across Italy, and performed a sold-out run at London’s prestigious Royal Festival Hall Purcell Theater as the featured solo-artist of the London International Mime Festival. In 1997 and 1999 Kubínek played limited engagement runs at Broadway's New Victory Theater. Both runs sold out in advance and received rave reviews from audiences and critics alike. The New York Times lauded his work as "Absolutely expert and consistently charming!"

Besides his solo work, Tomáš Kubínek has collaborated with many other artists from all over the world. He has been featured on Czech National Television with the celebrated actor and clown Boleslav Polivka on Mr. Polivka's annual television specials, and he has performed in numerous guerilla-style absurdist theater sketches with writer and comedian Frank van Keeken at the HBO Workspace in Los Angeles. While touring with his solo work Kubínek also teaches master classes for theatre students and professionals and occasionally writes and directs new works, collaborating on pieces for solo artists and theater companies.

Tomáš Kubínek’s Asheville performance is made possible by Performance Sponsors Joel & Deborah Bohan Berkowitz; and by Mainstage Special Attraction Series Sponsor Diamond Brand Outdoors; with additional support from Media Sponsor The Laurel of Asheville.

The Diana Wortham Theatre at Pack Place is located in the same complex as the Asheville Art Museum and the Colburn Earth Science Museum and is within walking distance of many shops and restaurants.