'Fragments' Visits CST in World Tour

Fragments, making its only U.S. stop in their world tour at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, is a well-constructed and very conceptual sixty minutes of theatre. Fans of Samuel Beckett will be tickled with the clever use of his language. Those not too familiar with the writer's work may ask themselves "What exactly is going on here?" or "Why was that funny?", but they will regardless find humor, happiness and heartbreak from watching Fragments.

The piece is constructed of several sort vignettes using Beckett's writing as text, setting and scene. Director Peter Brooke weaves our three players from desperate vagrants to uppity elderly women with a poignant eye and style. Age, look and even sexual-identity are not observed, having men dressed as women and (even with facial hair on one of the actors) this being accepted as truth.

World renowned performers, Marcello Magni, Kathryn Hunter and Jos Houben all bring a unique flare and charm to each of the multiple characters they play throughout the piece.

Overall, Fragments is a piece meant for Beckett-heads to truly enjoy but all can appreciate the unique comedy and creativity the show has to offer.

Fragments was playing for a limited one week engagement and is no longer playing in Chicago.

Photo: Marcello Magni, Kathryn Hunter and Jos Houben

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