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Samuel Beckett Headshot

Samuel Beckett

Date of Death: December 22, 1989

Birth Place: Foxrock, County Dublin, IRELAND

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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.

Productions

 
[Broadway, 2025]
Playwright
 
[Off-Broadway, 1986]
Director

Writing

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Source Material
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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


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

Videos

News


Bristol Old Vic Reveals Cohort of Writers to Join Theatre's New Mission
by Stephi Wild - Jan 29, 2025

Bristol Old Vic’s re-energised Literary Department announced three writers who will be joining Winsome Pinnock as part of the theatre’s Five Year Commitment residency.
Photos: Opening Night of Irish Rep's BECKETT BRIEFS Starring F. Murray Abraham
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 27, 2025

Irish Repertory Theatre is presentin Beckett Briefs, three short plays by Samuel Beckett and directed by Ciarán O'Reilly. Beckett Briefs began previews on January 15, 2025, and officially opened January 26. See photos from opening night here.
Irish Rep to Present NOT BECKETT Staged Readings in February
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Jan 23, 2025

Irish Repertory Theatre will present Not Beckett, an international rolling premiere of five new short plays presented as staged readings. Learn more and see how to attend.
Barbican Theatre Adds Four Shows to Spring Season Lineup
by Stephi Wild - Jan 15, 2025

The Barbican Centre has announced four further productions, presented by the Barbican Theatre, to complete its spring season drawing on themes of gathering and renewal.
WAITING FOR GODOT Comes to Cotuit
by Stephi Wild - Jan 15, 2025

Cotuit Center for the Arts has announced its upcoming production of Samuel Beckett's iconic masterpiece, Waiting for Godot. Learn more about the show here!
Previews: IL NATALE DI HARRY al TEATROSOPHIA
by Ettore Farrattini - Jan 11, 2025

IL NATALE DI HARRY al TEATROSOPHIA
Review: KRAPP’S LAST TAPE at 21ten Theatre
by Krista Garver - Jan 7, 2025

KRAPP’S LAST TAPE, Samuel Beckett's meditation on time, memory, and regret, now running at 21ten Theatre starring Bruce Burkhartsmeier, is a masterful production that cuts straight to the bone.
THE WOMEN, WE WILL RISE Returns to the Everyman in Cork
by Stephi Wild - Dec 18, 2024

Following its success in 2023, Karan Casey's powerful production, The Women, We Will Rise, is back at Cork's Everyman on February 1st - St. Brigid's Day, the perfect day to celebrate the great feats of Irish women! 
Samuel Beckett's NOT I and ROCKABY to be Presented at Broadwater Black Box Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 12, 2024

​Plank Productions will present a special Limited Engagement of Samuel Beckett's NOT I and ROCKABY this upcoming weekend, directed and performed by Jeni Jones, at The Broadwater Black Box Theatre in Hollywood, CA. Learn how to purchase tickets.
F. Murray Abraham & More to Star in BECKETT BRIEFS at Irish Repertory Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Dec 5, 2024

Irish Repertory Theatre has revealed dates, casting, and the creative team for Beckett Briefs, three short plays by Samuel Beckett and directed by Ciarán O'Reilly. Learn how to purchase tickets.
Review: WAITING FOR GODOT at Corrib Theatre
by Krista Garver - Dec 5, 2024

What did our critic think of WAITING FOR GODOT at Corrib Theatre?
Amplia Programación De Coreografías Podrá Disfrutar El Público En Línea Durante Diciembre
by A.A. Cristi - Dec 2, 2024

La Secretaría de Cultura del Gobierno de México y el Instituto Nacional de Bellas Artes y Literatura (INBAL), a través de la Coordinación Nacional de Danza, compartirán una selección de estilos dancísticos y propuestas escénicas dirigidas a diversos públicos, las cuales formaron parte de la cartelera de actividades que ofreció la CoND en diferentes espacios, a lo largo del presente año. La serie de presentaciones podrá apreciarse en línea, entre el jueves 5 y el domingo 22 de diciembre.
Telly Leung To Produce Industry Reading of OCEAN WALK By Gianfranco Lentini
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 27, 2024

Broadway's Telly Leung, best known for his roles in Aladdin, Allegiance, and Glee, steps into the role of producer by presenting the debut industry reading of OCEAN WALK, a powerful and timely new play by up-and-coming queer playwright Gianfranco Lentini.
Review: THE THANKSGIVING PLAY at Washington University Performing Arts
by Steve Callahan - Nov 26, 2024

'The Thanksgiving Play' directed by Andrea Urice at Wash U was a total delight!
Meet the Cast of EUREKA DAY, Beginning Previews Tonight on Broadway
by Stephi Wild - Nov 25, 2024

Manhattan Theatre Club's Eureka Day, by Jonathan Spector, directed by Anna D. Shapiro, officially begins previews tonight, November 25. Meet the cast of Eureka Day here!
Bob Barth's ONE NIGHT STAND to Highlight Classic Theatre Offerings & More
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Nov 21, 2024

Bob Barth's ONE NIGHT STAND will deliver another evening of entertainment, featuring a discussion of Samuel Beckett's WAITING FOR GODOT at the Geffen Playhouse and more.
Joe Murphy Appointed Artistic Director of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre
by Stephi Wild - Nov 20, 2024

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
by Evan Henerson - Nov 20, 2024

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
by Gil Kaan - Nov 13, 2024

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
by Stephi Wild - Nov 12, 2024

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.

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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