WAITING FOR GODOT. To 15 April.

London

WAITING FOR GODOT
by Samuel Beckett

Barbican Theatre To 15 April 2006
Tue-Thu 7.45pm Fri 6pm Sat 4pm & 8pm
Runs 2hr 30min One interval

TICKETS: 0845 120 7554
www.barbican.org.uk (reduced booking fee online)
Review: Timothy Ramsden 9 April

A production showing that nothing happening twice can be engrossing.
Two things about Samuel Beckett’s play are noticeable in this production from Dublin’s Gate Theatre. One is its Irishness. Not only the occasional idioms but the impact of passer-by Pozzo as the sole English accent. Alan Stanford’s voice is that of both English gentry and old-style actor, identities booted out by Irish nationalism and Beckettian dramaturgy respectively.

This Pozzo despises his servant, calling him “pig”, with confidence born of scientific certainty over his superiority. And Lucky, like the old peasantry, kicks out at the person who comes to help him. Yet Stephen Brennan’s tall Lucky (formidable in silence when he straightens his bent back to full height) has dignity in the intelligence which finds expression in his single, long speech. When this gets stopped he’s in a tall, commanding position; only when his bags are restored does he sink back to a servant.

The other thing is the way this play in which, as was famously said, “Nothing happens. Twice” actually follows the skeleton of traditional dramaturgy. There’s exposition, character conflict, new characters, exchange of ideas, surprise and definite passage of time. It’s all there bar the everyday realism – like an orchestra minus any instrument playing the tune.

Barry McGovern’s Vladimir and Johnny Murphy’s Estragon are long-faced creatures, but while Murphy’s lost features remain more or less set, McGovern’s Vladimir comes with energy, leading, proposing, speculating, facial features working away in every situation. Taller of the two, he’s the more active. Murphy shuffles around, the follower – at a greater distance mentally than physically.

Vladimir has a sense of their history. Past or future barely exist for Estragon; he latches onto life’s material aspects, delighting, for example, in setting Lucky’s bags a-swinging. His short replies to Vladimir’s reminder they’re waiting for Godot come over as acceptance rather than existential agony. Only when his friend considers the crucifixion quandary, does Estragon’s face light up enthusiastically at childhood memories of the colourful maps in his Bible.

Incorporating moments of quick movement - both men shelter offstage from the torrent of Lucky’s words – and rushes of speech leading to silences, this sparse, concentrated production leaves only one regret. Apparently its coming to London kept Peter Hall’s 50th anniversary production out of town. A shame, as Hall introduced the play to Enlgand when no-one else would touch it. Let’s hope now, his version makes it to the West End. Meanwhile, this is one not to miss.

Vladimir: Barry McGovern
Estragon: Johnny Murphy
Pozzo: Alan Stanford
Lucky: Stephen Brennan
Boy: Barry O’Connell

Director: Walter D Asmus
Designer: Louis le Brocquy
Lighting: Rupert Murray

2006-04-10 09:01:19