Cleveland Museum of Art

"A magnificent theatrical experience." -London Times

Nobel Laureate playwright Samuel Beckett shunned publicity throughout his life, only to become a worldwide cultural phenomenon. In Endgame-widely regarded as a masterpiece-high literature meets physical comedy. Dante and the Book of Genesis meet Chaplin and Keaton. The result is a stupendous theater experience: very funny and darkly touching. Beckett's play is a portrayal of Hamm-a blind, chair-bound tyrant-and Clov, his forgetful fumbling servant/confidant. They coexist in a mutually dependent and fractious relationship engendering some of the most memorable repartee you'll hear anywhere. In the room are Hamm's ancient parents, Nell and Nagg, who tragi-comically live in trashcans and occasionally pop out to demand food or engage in achingly farcical conversations ("Nothing is funnier than unhappiness."). Through laughter and precise metaphor Beckett probes deeply into the human condition and in only 80 minutes speaks volumes. Featuring Dorothy Silver, Terence Cranendonk. Directed by Massoud Saidpour. General admission. $29, CMA members $27

These programs made possible in part by the Ernest L. and Louise M. Gartner Fund, the P. J. McMyler Musical Endowment Fund, and the Anton and Rose Zverina Music Fund. Media sponsor is WVIZ/PBS and 90.3 WCPN ideastream.