'Dentity Crisis/Endgame (2008)

Poster by Maria Bates

by Samuel Beckett

Directed by Jeanette Hoile

Performances: Tue 3rd - Sat 7th June 2008, Bell Theatre

Auditions

• Sunday 10th February, 8-10pm (Bar Back Room)
• Tuesday 12th February, 8-10pm (Bell)
• Friday 15th February, 8-10pm (Prompt Corner)

Introduction

Two men, master and servant, exist in a post apocalyptic shelter, with an aged couple inhabiting two dustbins nearby. The two protagonists are mutually dependent, with Hamm the tyrannical older man, blind and crippled, bullying his younger servant, Clov, who suffers disabilities of his own.

Hamm and Clov form a challenging and at times, farcical, double act, with Nagg and Nell interjecting sharp and poignant reminiscences of their own. “Nothing is funnier than unhappiness” opines Nell tellingly.

The play is full of surprises and the tragedy of the situation is offset by a fairly steady tone of burlesque and farce. The play will linger in your memory long after the curtain has fallen.

Cast

• Hamm - A strong, powerful, declamatory, theatrical character who commands the stage without leaving his chair. Blind and unable to walk, he torments Clov while contemplating his plight. He needs an audience for the stories he weaves. A larger than life character who knows he is facing death. 40s – 50s upwards
• Clov - A servant and “son” to Hamm, they have a symbiotic relationship which neither of them can break. Although Hamm has the combination to the larder, it is only Clov who is mobile and able to fetch the food.. He longs to leave but is unable to go. A lot of humour is generated from the rituals and farcical situations that he enacts, and his dry comments throughout. 20s – 30s
• Nagg - Husband to Nell and father to Hamm. After mistreating his son earlier in life, he is now at Hamm’s mercy. Helpless and disabled, he nevertheless continues to berate Hamm. He continually tries to relive the happiness of his previous life with Nell. A tough character, softened by his love for his wife. 40+ Will be aged up as he is in extreme old age.
• Nell - Wife to Nagg, and mother to Hamm, she is a gentle person, who is disabled like Nagg. More philosophical than Nagg, she supports him as they both longingly recall the happiness of their youth. Has a strong, loving relationship with Nagg. 40+ will be aged up as she is in extreme old age.

Crew

• Production Assistant - Mark Bullock
• Stage Manager - Kay George
• Set Design - Mark Bullock
• Costumes - Val Williams
• Stunt Co-ordinator -
• Lighting Design - Gareth Barker
• Sound Design - Andrew Rickinson
• Lighting and Sound Operator -
• Properties -

Reviews

Some review quotes go here

References

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