“A delicious piece of theater… a playful, intimate experiment conducted by a master practitioner… utterly delightful”

New York Magazine

Bill Irwin can’t escape Samuel Beckett. He has spent a lifetime captivated by the Irish writer’s language. In this intimate 90-minute evening, Irwin will explore a performer’s relationship to 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, to 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.

Artist Website

Production Credits

On Beckett

Conceived and Performed by Bill Irwin
An Irish Repertory Theatre Production
Produced by Octopus Theatricals
Bill Irwin: Creator, Performer
Charlie Corcoran, Scenic Designer
Martha Hally, Costume Consultant
Michael Gottlieb, Lighting Designer
M. Florian Staab, Sound Designer
Chris Luner, Tour Production Manager
Lisa McGinn, Stage Manager
Avery Reagan, Tour Lighting Supervisor
Alex Brock, Tour Audio Supervisor

Passages from Texts for Nothing, The Unnamable, Watt and Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett.

The Work of Samuel Beckett presented through special arrangement with George Borchardt, Inc. on behalf of the Estate of Samuel Beckett. All rights reserved.

On Beckett premiered at Irish Repertory Theatre in New York City on October 3, 2018. On Beckett was originally developed at the American Conservatory Theater (ACT) in San Francisco in consultation with Artistic Director Carey Perloff. On Beckett was also workshopped at Vineyard Theatre and the Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle.

Cover Photo: Bill Irwin; Photography by Carol Rosegg, Art by Muireann Lalor for Irish Repertory Theatre