Waiting for Godot

Waiting for Godot

Gare St Lazare Ireland & Dublin Theatre Festival

NYU Skirball Center

October 17, 2015

Photo courtesy of
Gare St Lazare Ireland
and Dublin Theatre Festival

The Gare St Lazare Ireland and Dublin Theatre Festival production of Waiting for Godot played at NYU’s Skirball Center for the Performing Arts October 13 through 17.  The director and actors unearth the natural rhythms and subtle humor of this Becket classic.  The mood and timing of the production envelops you in the working of the characters’ minds, the simplicity of their needs, and the sheer humanity of their experiences.

The set, designed by Ferdia Murphy, is captivating.  The large and haunting projection of the full moon is mirrored by the identical, circular playing area on the stage floor.  The willow branch that is suspended from above is minimal, yet constantly present.  Director Judy Hegarty Lovett utilizes the space to the fullest, allowing the two main actors, Gary Lydon (as Estragon) and Conor Lovett (as Vladimir), to experience their questionable encounters with Dominic J. Moore (as Pozzo), Marcus Lamb (as Lucky), and William Keppler-Robinson (as the Boy).  The connection and relationship between the two main characters is grounded and absorbing.  Their timing is strong and clean, both physically and vocally.  All these elements, along with the calm and steady pace of the production, create a mesmerizing sense of interest and intrigue.

Photo courtesy of
Gare St Lazare and Dublin Theatre Festival

According to the program notes: “Over the past ten years, the Irish theatre company Gare St Lazare Ireland has represented Ireland at the very highest level of artistic achievement.  The company team of Conor Lovett, Judy Hegarty Lovett and associate producer Maura O’Keeffe, has cemented its international reputation among the foremost interpreters of the work of Samuel Beckett, producing over 17 Beckett titles for the stage.”  This production of Waiting for Godot is a true reflection of this high quality and expertise.  Their webpage advertises that they will be performing two different Beckett plays at the Lincoln Center White Lights Festival November 2 through 5.  I highly recommend checking them out.

Domenick Danza