Samuel Beckett
Date of Death: December 22, 1989
Birth Place: Foxrock, County Dublin, IRELAND
Latest News on Samuel Beckett:
Joe Murphy Appointed Artistic Director of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre (Nov 20, 2024)
Review: WAITING FOR GODOT at Geffen Playhouse (Nov 19, 2024)
Interview: Aasif Mandvi’s Ready to Tackle His Character in WAITING FOR GODOT (Nov 13, 2024)
Joe Murphy Appointed Artistic Director of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre (Nov 20, 2024)
Review: WAITING FOR GODOT at Geffen Playhouse (Nov 19, 2024)
Interview: Aasif Mandvi’s Ready to Tackle His Character in WAITING FOR GODOT (Nov 13, 2024)
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.
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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
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Obie Awards - 1964 - Best Play
Samuel Beckett Play
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Obie Awards - 1962 - Best Foreign Play
Samuel Beckett, Happy Days
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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
Videos
Video: Exclusive Clip of DANCE FIRST Starring Gabriel Byrne as Samuel Beckett
by Josh Sharpe - Aug 8, 2024
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
News
Joe Murphy Appointed Artistic Director of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre
Joe Murphy has been announced as the new Artistic Director of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Learn more about Joe Murphy and the Birmingham Repertory Theatre here!
Joe Murphy has been announced as the new Artistic Director of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre. Learn more about Joe Murphy and the Birmingham Repertory Theatre here!
Review: WAITING FOR GODOT at Geffen Playhouse
As embodied by Rainn Wilson and Aasif Mandvi in the revival of GODOT at the Geffen Playhouse, Vladimir and Estragon are a formidable pair. Beckett’s play about the unknowable darkness of the human condition has - go figure! - long been catnip for comedians, and you get why Wilson and Mandvi would want a whack at them.
As embodied by Rainn Wilson and Aasif Mandvi in the revival of GODOT at the Geffen Playhouse, Vladimir and Estragon are a formidable pair. Beckett’s play about the unknowable darkness of the human condition has - go figure! - long been catnip for comedians, and you get why Wilson and Mandvi would want a whack at them.
Interview: Aasif Mandvi’s Ready to Tackle His Character in WAITING FOR GODOT
Up next at The Geffen Playhouse Nobel Prize winner Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot opening November 13, 2024 (with previews already begun). Judy Hegarty Lovett directs the cast of: Lincoln Bonilla, Conor Lovett, Aasif Mandvi, Jack McSherry, Adam Stein and Rainn Wilson. Got Aasif to whittle off some answers to my queries.
Up next at The Geffen Playhouse Nobel Prize winner Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot opening November 13, 2024 (with previews already begun). Judy Hegarty Lovett directs the cast of: Lincoln Bonilla, Conor Lovett, Aasif Mandvi, Jack McSherry, Adam Stein and Rainn Wilson. Got Aasif to whittle off some answers to my queries.
Maxine Peake Will Lead DOUBT: A PARABLE at Ustinov Studio, Theatre Royal Bath
Maxine Peake will star in this brand-new production of John Patrick Shanley's award-winning drama. DOUBT a parable will be at Theatre Royal Bath's Ustinov Studio.
Maxine Peake will star in this brand-new production of John Patrick Shanley's award-winning drama. DOUBT a parable will be at Theatre Royal Bath's Ustinov Studio.
Show of the Week: Save up to 40% on WAITING FOR GODOT
Save up to 40% on tickets to Waiting For Godot at Theatre Royal Haymarket. Tickets are available from £25. Learn more about the show and how to get tickets here!
Save up to 40% on tickets to Waiting For Godot at Theatre Royal Haymarket. Tickets are available from £25. Learn more about the show and how to get tickets here!
Adelaide Festival Announces 2025 Program
Adelaide Festival has announced its 40th program, promising a suite of international and Australian productions and artists which will further enhance its 65-year reputation as Australia's premier international festival.
Adelaide Festival has announced its 40th program, promising a suite of international and Australian productions and artists which will further enhance its 65-year reputation as Australia's premier international festival.
WAITING FOR GODOT Set for Corrib Theatre Beginning This Month
Corrib Theatre has announced its first production of the classic play WAITING FOR GODOT by Samuel Beckett, running November 29-Dec 15, 2024. The cast includes Roo Welsh as Vladimir, Karl Hanover as Estragon, Jonathan Cullen as Pozzo, Doren Elias as Lucky, and Max O'Hare as The Boy.
Corrib Theatre has announced its first production of the classic play WAITING FOR GODOT by Samuel Beckett, running November 29-Dec 15, 2024. The cast includes Roo Welsh as Vladimir, Karl Hanover as Estragon, Jonathan Cullen as Pozzo, Doren Elias as Lucky, and Max O'Hare as The Boy.
Composer David T. Little Releases DARK HYMNAL, MEDITATIONS ON BLACK LODGE
Composer David T. Little released 'Dark Hymnal,' a digital album featuring meditations on his GRAMMY-nominated opera BLACK LODGE, available now on Cantaloupe Music. Learn more!
Composer David T. Little released 'Dark Hymnal,' a digital album featuring meditations on his GRAMMY-nominated opera BLACK LODGE, available now on Cantaloupe Music. Learn more!
Save Up to 40% on WAITING FOR GODOT at Theatre Royal Haymarket
Save up to 40% on tickets to Waiting For Godot at Theatre Royal Haymarket. Tickets are available from £45!
Save up to 40% on tickets to Waiting For Godot at Theatre Royal Haymarket. Tickets are available from £45!
Gary Oldman Will Lead KRAPP'S LAST TAPE at York Theatre Royal
York Theatre Royal has announced that Gary Oldman will return to the theatre where he began his career in Samuel Beckett’s seminal work, Krapp’s Last Tape. The production begins previews on 14 April, and runs until 17 May 2025.
York Theatre Royal has announced that Gary Oldman will return to the theatre where he began his career in Samuel Beckett’s seminal work, Krapp’s Last Tape. The production begins previews on 14 April, and runs until 17 May 2025.
Centenary Stage Company's THE WEIR Finishes Its Run This Weekend
Centenary Stage Company, continues their run of Conor McPherson's, The Weir, with performances continuing from October 16 – 20th in the Sitnik Theatre.
Centenary Stage Company, continues their run of Conor McPherson's, The Weir, with performances continuing from October 16 – 20th in the Sitnik Theatre.
Cassa Pancho's Ballet Black Will Return To The Linbury Theatre With Two New Works
Now in their 22nd year, Cassa Pancho's Ballet Black returns to the Linbury Theatre this Autumn with an electrifying double bill of new work: Ballet Black: HEROES, from award-winning choreographers Mthuthuzeli November and Sophie Laplane.
Now in their 22nd year, Cassa Pancho's Ballet Black returns to the Linbury Theatre this Autumn with an electrifying double bill of new work: Ballet Black: HEROES, from award-winning choreographers Mthuthuzeli November and Sophie Laplane.
Samuel Beckett's NOT I And ROCKABY to Be Directed and Performed By Jeni Jones in Hollywood
Jeni Jones is set to direct and star in a new incarnation of Samuel Beckett's 'Not I' and 'Rockaby' to be performed on a double bill in the heart of Hollywood at The Broadwater Black Box Theatre.
Jeni Jones is set to direct and star in a new incarnation of Samuel Beckett's 'Not I' and 'Rockaby' to be performed on a double bill in the heart of Hollywood at The Broadwater Black Box Theatre.
Review: STONES IN HIS POCKETS, Salisbury Playhouse
The Irish are renowned for good story telling. From James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett and George Bernard Shaw, to simply a good yarn over a pint in a pub. In a long line of cracking good tales, you couldn't get much better than the new immersive revival of Marie Jones' tragicomedy Stones in His Pockets.
The Irish are renowned for good story telling. From James Joyce, Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett and George Bernard Shaw, to simply a good yarn over a pint in a pub. In a long line of cracking good tales, you couldn't get much better than the new immersive revival of Marie Jones' tragicomedy Stones in His Pockets.
David T. Little's BLACK LODGE to Have LA And NYC Premieres
David T. Little’s GRAMMY-nominated opera BLACK LODGE will launch a fall/winter tour with screenings in Sweden, a West Coast premiere in Los Angeles on October 19, and a live NYC premiere in January. Learn more!
David T. Little’s GRAMMY-nominated opera BLACK LODGE will launch a fall/winter tour with screenings in Sweden, a West Coast premiere in Los Angeles on October 19, and a live NYC premiere in January. Learn more!
Full Cast Set For WAITING FOR GODOT at Geffen Playhouse
Geffen Playhouse has announced the full cast for Waiting for Godot, written by Nobel Prize winner Samuel Beckett (Endgame, Krapp's Last Tape) and directed by Judy Hegarty Lovett (The Realistic Joneses, How It Is).
Geffen Playhouse has announced the full cast for Waiting for Godot, written by Nobel Prize winner Samuel Beckett (Endgame, Krapp's Last Tape) and directed by Judy Hegarty Lovett (The Realistic Joneses, How It Is).
International Not Beckett Festival Kicks Off At Jermyn Street Theatre
Not Beckett is an international 'rolling world premiere' presenting 5 new short plays in conversation with Samuel Beckett's work, written by femme-identifying and non-binary playwrights of diversified Irish descent across the globe.
Not Beckett is an international 'rolling world premiere' presenting 5 new short plays in conversation with Samuel Beckett's work, written by femme-identifying and non-binary playwrights of diversified Irish descent across the globe.
The Royal Court Theatre Launches 'The Writers' Card' Membership and New Writer Support Programmes
The Royal Court Theatre has launched The Writers' Card, a new membership at the heart of an expanded package to support playwrights at every stage in their career.
The Royal Court Theatre has launched The Writers' Card, a new membership at the heart of an expanded package to support playwrights at every stage in their career.
CITYLAB Comes to NEST Next Week
In diesem generationsübergreifenden Projekt sind Theaterenthusiast*innen ab 12 bis 99 Jahren eingeladen, mit Künstler*innen der Wiener Staatsoper ihr eigenes Stück zu entwickeln und vor Publikum aufzuführen.
In diesem generationsübergreifenden Projekt sind Theaterenthusiast*innen ab 12 bis 99 Jahren eingeladen, mit Künstler*innen der Wiener Staatsoper ihr eigenes Stück zu entwickeln und vor Publikum aufzuführen.
Review: WAITING FOR GODOT, Theatre Royal Haymarket
A country road. A tree. Evening. Two figures commiserate with each other’s woes. “Nothing to be done”. We have to wait 35 years to receive a really revolutionary new take on Waiting for Godot: Samuel Beckett’s estate still has too much power over any revival of the 20th century classic. James Macdonald’s starry cast is, obviously, the draw here: Ben Whishaw returns to the West End as Vladimir, the restless soul of the pair, while Lucian Msamati is the forgetful Estragon. It’s an excellent opportunity to see a handful of our most exquisite performers at work.
A country road. A tree. Evening. Two figures commiserate with each other’s woes. “Nothing to be done”. We have to wait 35 years to receive a really revolutionary new take on Waiting for Godot: Samuel Beckett’s estate still has too much power over any revival of the 20th century classic. James Macdonald’s starry cast is, obviously, the draw here: Ben Whishaw returns to the West End as Vladimir, the restless soul of the pair, while Lucian Msamati is the forgetful Estragon. It’s an excellent opportunity to see a handful of our most exquisite performers at work.
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."
Videos