Van Gogh at eternity's gate

The tragic life and death of artist Vincent van Gogh is the subject of a 60-minute, one-man play, At Eternity's Gate, by Liverpool-based UK-US actor and writer, Joseph Winder.

Joe's show  (Hope Street Theatre, Liverpool, June 10-13) is told from his brother Theo's perspective, and is set shortly after the painter's death. We discover the man behind the paintings and the people who helped him become one of the world's most beloved artists.

On July 27, 1890, Vincent went for a walk and later that day stumbled into a bar on the outskirts of town, asking to be taken to a nearby hospital, having shot himself in the chest. A telegram was sent to Theo, who rushed from Paris the following day. He burst into Vincent’s hospital room to find the painter's chest heavily bandaged, following a severe loss of blood.

That evening Vincent began to deteriorate as the wound had become infected - no attempt had been made to remove the bullet. In the early hours of July 29, Vincent slipped into a coma and later died.

This play is an exploration of how Theo - not only Vincent's brother but also his greatest friend - spent the following 24 hours.

Described as "full of beautiful language and relational truths,” by one critic and "a hidden gem" by another, the show explores themes such as grief, brotherly love and sacrifice. 

The play was written by Joseph Winder for Up Front North West and Old Fruit Jar Productions.

More info and tickets here