on the Francis J. Greenburger Mainstage
Conceived and Performed by Bill Irwin
Produced in association with Octopus Theatricals
From previous productions:
CRITIC’S PICK! Captivating…radiant, living theater — Ben Brantley, New York Times
a delicious piece of theater… a playful, intimate experiment conducted by a master practitioner… utterly delightful — Sara Holdren, Vulture
A delight to watch….Mr. Irwin’s manner is engaging and unpretentious… [it has] a tonic effect on the viewer, reminding us that whatever else may be happening out in the world, it is our task to overcome the deadening torpor of habit and live fully—and courageously. — Terry Teachout, The Wall Street Journal
Irwin enlightens us with his professorial knowledge and delivers it in a genial, conversational way, so that we emerge feeling smarter for having been in his presence. What an invigorating feeling to have, the sort that we get only after seeing a great piece of theater. — David Gordon, TheaterMania
A compelling homage… If you are a Beckett aficionado, or someone who would like to learn more about him and his haunting words, be sure to catch the enriching show. — Deb Miller, DC Metro Theater Arts
masterful… Beckett’s words bloom not just with humor but with poignant emotion. — Theatermania
Irish Repertory Theatre, in association with Octopus Theatricals, is delighted to present Bill Irwin’s award-winning On Beckett for a limited summer engagement.
Bill Irwin still can’t escape Samuel Beckett. The MacArthur Fellow has spent a lifetime captivated by the Irish writer’s language. In this intimate 90-minute evening, Irwin will explore a performer’s relationship with Beckett, mining the physical and verbal skills acquired in his years as a master clown and Tony Award-winning actor. Irwin’s approach to the comic, the tragic, and every side of Beckett’s work—including Waiting for Godot, Texts for Nothing, and more—will allow audiences to experience the language in compelling new ways. Whether you’re encountering the Nobel Prize winner’s writing for the first time or building on a body of Beckett knowledge, this dynamic showcase is not to be missed.
On Beckett premiered at the Irish Repertory Theatre in 2018 to wide acclaim, winning a special Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Alternative Theatrical Experience. Previous iterations of On Beckett have been performed at the American Conservatory Theater (ACT) in San Francisco and workshopped at the Vineyard Theatre in New York and Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. Irwin recently starred in Irish Rep’s much-lauded production of Samuel Beckett’s Endgame, directed by Ciarán O’Reilly. His performance earned him nominations for the Lucille Lortel and Outer Critics Circle Awards for Outstanding Lead Performer.
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FAQ
Q: Is this the same show as it was before?
A: Mr. Beckett’s words have stayed the same, and Bill Irwin’s reflections have evolved with his years.
Video Trailer from 2018 production: