#waiting for godot

by Samuel Beckett

What’s it about?

Famously, it’s a play where “nothing happens, twice”.

I can get “nothing” at home. Tell me something else.

Fair enough. It’s a surreal comedy about two guys who spend their lives waiting for something, and as the play goes on, it becomes obvious to everyone except these two guys that it’s never going to happen. Although if you’ve read Game of Thrones and you can’t handle the idea of something that’s never going to happen, you should present yourself to the relevant authorities at first light.  

Sounds like my life.

That’s very much the point. While the audience laughs at the two idiots on stage who can’t see the obvious, at some point around the middle of the second act, you’ll understand that you’re laughing at yourself. Beckett is starting right into your soul and laughing. 

You know satire is working when it feels like it’s mocking you personally.

What should I say to make people think I’ve read it?

“I’ll tell you tomorrow.”

What should I avoid saying when trying to convince people I’ve read it?

“That surprise ending though.”

Should I actually read it?

You can, but like all dramas, you’re better off seeing actors read the lines out on a stage. Do that if you can.

« Ce qui est certain, c’est que le temps est long, dans ces conditions, et nous pousse à le meubler d’agissements qui, comment dire, qui peuvent à première vue paraître raisonnables, mais dont nous avons l’habitude. Tu me diras que c’est pour empecher notre raison de sombrer. C’est une affaire entendue. Mais n’erre-t-elle pas déjà dans la nuit permanente des grands fonds, voilà ce que je me demande parfois »

Samuel Beckett, En attendant Godot