Beckett in the City: The Women Speak

See it if you are a Beckett fan or want to see new insights into 4 of his frequently-performed plays. Exquisite acting.

Don't see it if you are not familiar with the work of Samuel Beckett. Or if your taste runs to more conventional theatre.

See it if Ideal Beckett! U=happy to watch slow, repetitive movements in near darkness & compare to your own slow, repetitive movements toward death!

Don't see it if Beckett’s style is irredeemable, or you’re unfamiliar w/ the playwright—this could be excruciating for someone w/ no idea what to expect

Also These rarely produced shorts are so skillfully performed and true to the spirit of the playwright that I think these are almost exactly as Beckett intended. The interpretation of the text, direction, acting (unconventional as the demands are), and lighting are exemplary. Everything is thoughtful. No element is amateurish.

That said, BITC is catering to a self-selecting audience. It's not aiming to make itself more accessible to anyone new to ’60s avant-garde theater. It helps to read as many of the plays as you can before the show (3 of the 4 plays are free online & each takes <20 min.). I wouldn’t normally recommend that, but already having opinions about the plays before seeing these actors create something so much better than what I imagined really deepened my enjoyment of the performances.

*Practical tip: wear comfortable shoes if you're able-bodied in case you need to stand—there’s limited seating for the shorter 2 shows.... Read more Read less

See it if Love Beckett and want to see it done well. One may not understand it but it still should be seen. And in a site-specific relevant space.

Don't see it if Looking for fluff.

See it if you want to see three older and brilliant Irish actresses who do justice to the poetry of Beckett's words.

Don't see it if ! want to see a more traditional play .

Also You immediately get caught up in the dark haunting atmosphere as you walk from room to room to sit on floors and chairs or stand and watch these lovely women with lined faces and enchanting voices bring Beckett to life. Seeing "NOT I" performed has been on my bucket list for years and it exceeded my expectations. You only see the woman's mouth, lips, teeth and tongue (sometimes performed behind a board with a circle cut out) as she goes through a rapid-fire, rage filled monologue that gave me a bit of an anxiety attack....but so worth it :)! AMAZING!... Read more Read less