Director David Blake-Knox previews his new documentary The Waiting Game - watch it here via RTÉ Player.
I’ve seen many productions of Waiting for Godot over the years. But one that always stood out for me was a production at the Gate Theatre in Dublin. In many ways, this was a classic production – with strict adherence to the text, and also to Beckett’s intentions. Its director was Walter Asmus – who had been Beckett’s assistant the only time that the play was directed by its author.
One of the unusual features of this production was that the same cast played the same parts across three decades. They had also taken the play across the world – to great critical acclaim. When it was decided to mark the 20th anniversary of the production with a tour of the whole island of Ireland, I knew I wanted to make a documentary film about that tour.
By any standards, this was an insanely ambitious undertaking. All 32 counties were included, but the play would be performed for just one night in each venue. In effect, this meant there were 40 first nights, and over 5,000 miles of travel as the tour criss-crossed the country. It proved extremely demanding, in both physical and emotional terms, of the four actors in the cast – none of whom could be described as young. What is more, one of them – Johnny Murphy – had just been released from hospital.
I’ve seen many productions of Waiting for Godot over the years. But one that always stood out for me was a production at the Gate Theatre in Dublin.
Although it was clear the tour was impacting on his health, neither Johnny nor the other actors were aware that he was suffering from cancer. The end of the tour also marked the end of the road for Johnny’s career as an actor. His determination to complete this journey carried its own powerful resonance, and he was sustained throughout this time by the other actors.
Their commitment to Beckett’s play - and to each other - impressed me greatly. I think it also casts light on what is the paradoxical nature of acting: a profession that can be, at the same time, playful and serious; make-believe and real; heroic and absurd.
The Waiting Game screens on RTÉ One tonight, December 20th, at 10.15pm.
