The worlds of Samuel Beckett are stark. Poetic. And meticulously choreographed. Beckett plays have lived long past him because while they are particular and abstract, they are also deeply human. Alejandro Tomás Rodriguez, director of the upcoming show Ashes. Short plays by Samuel Beckett says, “The nonsensical, absurd facade of Beckett’s universe seems to be a realistic world in its own terms, and that is fascinating to me.”
Most famous for the enigmatic Waiting for Godot, Beckett was a prolific playwright and a key figure in what Martin Esslin called the “Theatre of the Absurd”. Ashes. Short plays by Samuel Beckett, produced by the UNM Department of Theatre and Dance, highlights the breadth of short works, balancing accessibility with Beckett’s signature poetic and morose writing. “Within Beckett’s universe of short plays, I wanted to stage a diverse body of stories and dramatic forms.” Said Rodriguez. “I also considered that students, as well as the audience, might be exposed for the first time to Beckett’s poetic universe, so I wanted to bring pieces that are not too hermetic and cryptic as Beckett’s plays sometimes are.”
From tightly choreographed physical sequences to stark, language-driven performances, the production features the full spectrum of Beckett’s experimentation, and throughout the rehearsal, the cast has discovered both the challenges and rewards of Beckett’s work. “What surprises me is how the students are fascinated with this poetic style, and how they are taking the challenge to give body and voice to the characters in a very creative way.” Said Rodriguez.
This production ultimately reveals Beckett not only as a pioneer of modern theater, but as a deeply human artist. “Beckett is a very good example of a radical artist and thinker.” Rodriguez reflects, “You need a lot of courage and endurance to invent your own world.”
Ashes. Short Plays by Samuel Beckett premieres April 24th and runs through May 2nd in The Experimental Theatre in the UNM Center for Fine Arts. Tickets are available at unmtickets.com or the UNM Bookstore.
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