Samuel Beckett
Date of Death: December 22, 1989
Birth Place: Foxrock, County Dublin, IRELAND
Latest News on Samuel Beckett:
Review: HA HA HA HA HA HA HA at Woolly Mammoth Theatre (Jul 22, 2024)
Broadway Buying Guide: July 22, 2024- Long-Running Hits Dominate with Summer Tourists (Jul 22, 2024)
Greg Banks Is Recipient Of American Alliance for Theatre & Education 2024 Charlotte B. Chorpenning Playwright Award (Jul 18, 2024)
Review: HA HA HA HA HA HA HA at Woolly Mammoth Theatre (Jul 22, 2024)
Broadway Buying Guide: July 22, 2024- Long-Running Hits Dominate with Summer Tourists (Jul 22, 2024)
Greg Banks Is Recipient Of American Alliance for Theatre & Education 2024 Charlotte B. Chorpenning Playwright Award (Jul 18, 2024)
Samuel Beckett BIO
Samuel Beckett is widely regarded as one of the most influential playwrights of the 20th century. Born in Dublin, Ireland in 1906, Beckett attended Trinity College Dublin and later taught at the École Normale Supérieure in Paris. He wrote his first novel, Dream of Fair to Middling Women, in 1932, but it was never published during his lifetime.
Beckett's first major play, Waiting for Godot, premiered in Paris in 1953 and is now considered a seminal work of the Theatre of the Absurd. The play's two main characters, Vladimir and Estragon, wait for the eponymous Godot, who never arrives. The play's themes of existentialism, meaninglessness, and the human condition struck a chord with audiences and critics alike. Waiting for Godot has since been performed countless times around the world and has been translated into over 20 languages.
Beckett's other major plays include Endgame (1957), Krapp's Last Tape (1958), and Happy Days (1961). These works continue to be studied and performed today, and have cemented Beckett's reputation as a master of modernist drama.
In addition to his plays, Beckett also wrote a number of novels, including Molloy (1951), Malone Dies (1951), and The Unnamable (1953). These works are known for their experimental style, complex themes, and exploration of the limits of language.
Beckett was also a prolific writer of poetry, essays, and short stories. His work often dealt with themes of alienation, suffering, and the search for meaning in a world that seems to offer none. Beckett's writing is marked by its spare, minimalist style, which he developed in response to what he saw as the excesses of modern literature.
Beckett's influence on the arts cannot be overstated. His work has inspired countless writers, artists, and filmmakers, and his ideas about the nature of existence and the human condition continue to resonate with audiences today.
Despite his success as a writer, Beckett was notoriously private and reclusive. He rarely gave interviews and shunned publicity. He spent the last years of his life in a nursing home in Paris, where he died in 1989 at the age of 83.
Beckett's most recent work is his posthumously published novella, Echo's Bones, which was released in 2014. The work was originally intended to be the final chapter of his novel, Murphy, but was cut by his publisher at the time. The novella tells the story of a man who is haunted by the ghost of his dead wife, and explores themes of memory, loss, and the nature of reality.
Samuel Beckett Productions
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Samuel Beckett Awards and Nominations
Olivier Awards - 2005 - Best Revival
Samuel BeckettEndgame
winner
New York Drama Critics Circle Awards - 1984 - Special Citation
Samuel Beckett
winner
Obie Awards - 1984 - Playwriting
Samuel Beckett, Ohio Impromptu
winner
Obie Awards - 1984 - Playwriting
Samuel Beckett, What Where
winner
Obie Awards - 1984 - Playwriting
Samuel Beckett, Catastrophe
winner
Obie Awards - 1984 - Playwriting
Samuel BeckettPocket
winner
Obie Awards - 1973 - Best Foreign Play
Samuel Beckett, Not I
winner
Obie Awards - 1964 - Best Play
Samuel Beckett Play
winner
Obie Awards - 1962 - Best Foreign Play
Samuel Beckett, Happy Days
winner
Obie Awards - 1960 - Distinguished Play
Samuel Beckett, Krapp's Last Tape
winner
Obie Awards - 1958 - Best Foreign Play
Samuel Beckett, Endgame
winner
Evening Standard Awards - 1955 - Most Controversial Play
Samuel BeckettWaiting for Godot
Samuel Beckett Videos
Video: Watch the Trailer for WAITING FOR GODOT Starring Lucian Msamati and Ben Whishaw
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Feb 23, 2024
VIDEO: Old Vic Commemorates One Year Since Theatre in the U.K Shut Down
by Stephi Wild - Mar 16, 2021
VIDEO: Daniel Radcliffe Talks Starring Opposite Alan Cumming in ENDGAME
by Kaitlin Milligan - Jan 20, 2020
VIDEO: Darryl Maximilian Robinson Performs Two Versions of The Bard's St. Crispin's Day Speech in LA
by Stephi Wild - Dec 26, 2019
SMASH Creator Theresa Rebeck To Workshop New Musical TWO ORPHANS At Texas State
by BWW News Desk - Oct 26, 2017
TV: New Trailer for WAITING FOR GODOT's West End Homecoming Has Arrived!
by BroadwayWorld TV - Sep 14, 2017
VIDEO: Patrick Stewart & Stephen Colbert Star in 'Waiting For Godot's Obamacare's Replacement'
by Caryn Robbins - Mar 2, 2017
STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek at All-Latino Cast of Tympanic Theatre Company's WATING FOR GODOT
by Christina Mancuso - Feb 17, 2017
Video: First Look at Scenes from the Canadian Premiere of MY NIGHT WITH REG
by A.A. Cristi - Feb 10, 2017
VIDEO: First Look - Joseph Fiennes Stars as Michael Jackson in New Comedy URBAN MYTHS
by Caryn Robbins - Jan 11, 2017
BWW Review: Scena Theatre's SOMEONE IS GOING TO COME is Paranoid and Provocative
by Barbara Johnson - Jan 11, 2017
TV: First Look at Highlights of Court Theatre's WAITING FOR GODOT
by TV - On the Road - Jan 26, 2015
Samuel Beckett News
Review: HA HA HA HA HA HA HA at Woolly Mammoth Theatre
Steeped in a European existential sensibility, with healthy doses of theatre of the absurd, and an eerie ambience, --performance artist Julia Masli alternately entrances and provokes the audience with her finely honed comedic skills in the deliciously interactive production entitled ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.
Steeped in a European existential sensibility, with healthy doses of theatre of the absurd, and an eerie ambience, --performance artist Julia Masli alternately entrances and provokes the audience with her finely honed comedic skills in the deliciously interactive production entitled ha ha ha ha ha ha ha.
Broadway Buying Guide: July 22, 2024- Long-Running Hits Dominate with Summer Tourists
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, July 22, 2024.
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, July 22, 2024.
Greg Banks Is Recipient Of American Alliance for Theatre & Education 2024 Charlotte B. Chorpenning Playwright Award
The new production of THE LION KING is set to captivate audiences with its stunning visuals and powerful performances. Discover the latest updates and behind-the-scenes insights into this beloved musical.
The new production of THE LION KING is set to captivate audiences with its stunning visuals and powerful performances. Discover the latest updates and behind-the-scenes insights into this beloved musical.
What did our critic think of THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG at PCPA: Solvang Festival Theater?
The Play That Goes Wrong is a side-splittingly funny production not to be missed. The laughs begin as you enter the theater and last to the final bows. It’s a play that goes wrong by design, of course, and then goes more wrong in service of our amusement as the Cornley Drama Society puts on the murder mystery The Murder at Haversham Manor.
The Play That Goes Wrong is a side-splittingly funny production not to be missed. The laughs begin as you enter the theater and last to the final bows. It’s a play that goes wrong by design, of course, and then goes more wrong in service of our amusement as the Cornley Drama Society puts on the murder mystery The Murder at Haversham Manor.
Video: Gabriel Byrne as Playwright Samuel Beckett in Trailer for DANCE FIRST
Magnolia Pictures has released the trailer for Dance First, the upcoming film about playwright and literary figure Samuel Beckett. The cast includes Tony Award-nominated actor Gabriel Byrne as Beckett who stars alongside Fionn O'Shea, Aidan Gillen, Maxine Peake, and Sandrine Bonnaire. It will be available digitally on August 16th.
Magnolia Pictures has released the trailer for Dance First, the upcoming film about playwright and literary figure Samuel Beckett. The cast includes Tony Award-nominated actor Gabriel Byrne as Beckett who stars alongside Fionn O'Shea, Aidan Gillen, Maxine Peake, and Sandrine Bonnaire. It will be available digitally on August 16th.
Broadway Buying Guide: July 15, 2024- HAMILTON Is Back On Top
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, July 15, 2024.
Looking for the best deals on Broadway shows? Welcome to our new weekly guide to the most popular shows listed on BroadwayWorld. Check out which shows are selling this week, July 15, 2024.
La Biennale Di Venezia Reappoints Sir Wayne McGregor As Artistic Director of Dance Department
Sir Wayne McGregor has been reappointed as the Artistic Director of the Dance Department of La Biennale di Venezia for the two-year term 2025/2026. The decision was made by the Board of Directors, chaired by Pietrangelo Buttafuoco.
Sir Wayne McGregor has been reappointed as the Artistic Director of the Dance Department of La Biennale di Venezia for the two-year term 2025/2026. The decision was made by the Board of Directors, chaired by Pietrangelo Buttafuoco.
Further Casting Set For New West End Production of WAITING FOR GODOT
Further casting has been announced for the new production of Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot, directed by James Macdonald. Learn more about the cast here!
Further casting has been announced for the new production of Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot, directed by James Macdonald. Learn more about the cast here!
Top Off-Broadway Shows for July 2024
What's happening off-Broadway? BroadwayWorld is here to guide you through the top picks for theatre in the month of July.
What's happening off-Broadway? BroadwayWorld is here to guide you through the top picks for theatre in the month of July.
BEYOND KRAPP Comes to Edinburgh in July
Exploring the existential reckoning of ego and the brutal landscape of unrequited love, Beyond Krapp is a dark comedy that follows Cormac, a dead man, in the black void of purgatory as he’s taunted by snippets of his own funeral.
Exploring the existential reckoning of ego and the brutal landscape of unrequited love, Beyond Krapp is a dark comedy that follows Cormac, a dead man, in the black void of purgatory as he’s taunted by snippets of his own funeral.
THE PEOPLE VS. LENNY BRUCE Comes to the Garry Marshall Theatre in July
The People vs. Lenny Bruce is the third segment of 'All The Court's A Stage,' a series of plays that are based on seven of Martin Garbus‘ cases. With a dramatic adaptation by Susan Charlotte from the 1964 obscenity case, and directed by Antony Marsellis, it will make its Los Angeles premiere at Garry Marshall Theatre July 21st and 22nd.
The People vs. Lenny Bruce is the third segment of 'All The Court's A Stage,' a series of plays that are based on seven of Martin Garbus‘ cases. With a dramatic adaptation by Susan Charlotte from the 1964 obscenity case, and directed by Antony Marsellis, it will make its Los Angeles premiere at Garry Marshall Theatre July 21st and 22nd.
Darryl Maximilian Robinson Debuts With Culver City Public Theatre as Bensinger in THE FRONT PAGE
Local Los Angeles Area theatregoers have seen veteran and award-winning actor Darryl Maximilian Robinson appear in numerous roles onstage during his 14 years as a City of Angels thespian. But usually he has performed in small and intimate venues. But this summer he will be sharing his talents in a somewhat larger forum.
Local Los Angeles Area theatregoers have seen veteran and award-winning actor Darryl Maximilian Robinson appear in numerous roles onstage during his 14 years as a City of Angels thespian. But usually he has performed in small and intimate venues. But this summer he will be sharing his talents in a somewhat larger forum.
MIDNIGHT TATTOOS to Premiere At The Drayton Arms Theatre in July
MIDNIGHT TATTOOS, a romantic comedy by Philip Landon, will premiere at the Drayton Arms Theatre in London in July. Learn how to purchase tickets.
MIDNIGHT TATTOOS, a romantic comedy by Philip Landon, will premiere at the Drayton Arms Theatre in London in July. Learn how to purchase tickets.
CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF & More Set for Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans 10th Season
The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans has planned an ambitious season to celebrate its 10th anniversary 2025 season. Learn more about the programming and see how to purchase tickets.
The Tennessee Williams Theatre Company of New Orleans has planned an ambitious season to celebrate its 10th anniversary 2025 season. Learn more about the programming and see how to purchase tickets.
Mister & Mischief's ESCAPE FROM GODOT Announced at the Moving Arts Theatre
Mister & Mischief bring their engaging production ESCAPE FROM GODOT to Reality Escape Con 2024 this August, blending escape room antics with iconic existentialism.
Mister & Mischief bring their engaging production ESCAPE FROM GODOT to Reality Escape Con 2024 this August, blending escape room antics with iconic existentialism.
Jermyn Street Theatre Reveals Autumn Season
Jermyn Street Theatre has announced its Autumn Season. Learn more about the lineup here!
Jermyn Street Theatre has announced its Autumn Season. Learn more about the lineup here!
LYPSINKA: TOXIC FEMININITY Streaming For Free In Celebration of Pride Month
Celebrate Pride Month with the return of LYPSINKA: TOXIC FEMININITY, streaming for free from June 3 to July 1.
Celebrate Pride Month with the return of LYPSINKA: TOXIC FEMININITY, streaming for free from June 3 to July 1.
Bill Irwin's ON BECKETT to Have Return Summer Engagement at Irish Repertory Theatre
Irish Repertory Theatre and Octopus Theatricals will present Bill Irwin's award-winning On Beckett for a limited summer engagement. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Irish Repertory Theatre and Octopus Theatricals will present Bill Irwin's award-winning On Beckett for a limited summer engagement. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: MAY B - COMPAGNIE MAGUY MARIN, Sadler's Wells
Marin is regarded as a major force in French modern dance, and one can understand why when appreciating the work's overall accomplished structuring…but that doesn't mean it will be an unequivocally enjoyable experience for all.
Marin is regarded as a major force in French modern dance, and one can understand why when appreciating the work's overall accomplished structuring…but that doesn't mean it will be an unequivocally enjoyable experience for all.
Finn Beames & Company Receives Oxford Samuel Beckett Theatre Trust Award
The Barbican has announced the winner of the 2024 Oxford Samuel Beckett Theatre Trust Award, Finn Beames & Company. The new work, Quiet Songs, is a piece of music theatre for a single actor, a string quartet and an armoury of swords, and will receive its world premiere in The Pit as part of the arts centre's autumn season.
The Barbican has announced the winner of the 2024 Oxford Samuel Beckett Theatre Trust Award, Finn Beames & Company. The new work, Quiet Songs, is a piece of music theatre for a single actor, a string quartet and an armoury of swords, and will receive its world premiere in The Pit as part of the arts centre's autumn season.
Samuel Beckett FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many shows has Samuel Beckett written?
Samuel Beckett has written 23 shows including Embers (Playwright), Play/ The Lover (Playwright), Krapp's Last Tape/ The Zoo Story (Playwright), Happy Days (Playwright), Oh! Calcutta! (Material), Jack MacGowran in the Works of Samuel Beckett (Material), Happy Days/ Act Without Words 1 (Playwright), Krapp's Last Tape/ Not I (Playwright), Mercier & Camier (Source Material), Play and Other Plays (Playwright), Samuel Beckett's Ohio Impromptu, Catastrophe, What Where (Playwright), Rockaby (Playwright), Endgame (Playwright), All Strange Away (Playwright), I'll Go On (Source Material), Happy Days (Playwright), Texts for Nothing (Playwright), Krapp's Last Tape (Playwright), Beckett/Albee (Playwright), Beckett Shorts (Playwright), Waiting for Godot (Playwright), All That Fall (Playwright), Endgame (Playwright).
What awards has Samuel Beckett been nominated for?
Samuel Beckett has been nominated for several awards throughout his career. These include Best Revival at the Olivier Awards for "Endgame," Special Citation at the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, and multiple nominations for Playwriting at the Obie Awards for plays such as "Ohio Impromptu," "What Where," "Catastrophe," and "Pocket." He has also received nominations for Best Foreign Play and Best Play at the Obie Awards for plays like "Not I," "Play," and "Happy Days," as well as a Distinguished Play nomination for "Krapp's Last Tape." Additionally, Beckett's play "Endgame" was nominated for Best Foreign Play at the Obie Awards, and "Waiting for Godot" was recognized as the Most Controversial Play at the Evening Standard Awards.
What awards has Samuel Beckett won?
Samuel Beckett has won several awards throughout his career. These include a Special Citation from the New York Drama Critics Circle Awards, Playwriting awards from the Obie Awards for "Ohio Impromptu," "What Where," "Catastrophe," and "Pocket," a Best Foreign Play award from the Obie Awards for "Not I," a Best Play award from the Obie Awards for "Play," a Best Foreign Play award from the Obie Awards for "Happy Days," a Distinguished Play award from the Obie Awards for "Krapp's Last Tape," a Best Foreign Play award from the Obie Awards for "Endgame," and a Most Controversial Play award from the Evening Standard Awards for "Waiting for Godot."
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