The centenary of the birth of Irish writer Samuel Beckett is celebrated in Reading.
Born in Dublin on 13 April 1906, Beckett is widely regarded as one of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century. The University of Reading holds one of the world's most significant Samuel Beckett collections. The archive houses manuscripts, correspondence, and rare documents that offer a unique window into his creative life.
The exhibition examines Samuel Beckett’s Irish roots and the profound impact of European culture on his writing. Among the highlights are early typewritten drafts of 'Endgame', created while the play was still evolving and before any of the characters had been named. Visitors can also view a detailed set model from the Royal Shakespeare Company’s 1964 production of 'Endgame'.
Professor James Knowlson, Beckett’s friend and the founder of the Samuel Beckett Archive at the University of Reading, explains the author’s longstanding support for the archive and why the collection ultimately came to Reading rather than Dublin.
Irish universities have been rather backward as far as acknowledging their great twentieth-century writers.
A central feature of the exhibition showcases some of Samuel Beckett’s most iconic stage imagery. Curator Julian Garforth highlights a selection of evocative scenes from 'Happy Days','Waiting for Godot', 'Endgame', 'Rockaby', and 'Play'. Many of the documents have never before been on public display.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 25 March 2006. The reporter is Brian O'Connell.
