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Druid’s decision to revive Beckett’s classic play Endgame came as something of a surprise to some within the Irish theatre community. Its contributions to the Galway International Arts Festival always prove to be a highlight, but often tend to be new plays, many of which go on tour to great acclaim, as was the case with Sonya Kelly’s Furniture and The Last Return.
Although revered by critics and academics alike, Beckett’s work has the potential to polarise audience members; many leave mystified and in awe, others appear bored and confused. Whether it is the immensely moving Krapp’s Last Tape, or Happy Days, which, frankly, I just did not understand.
Saying that, the decision to take on Endgame makes a lot of sense, given Druid’s remarkably successful production of Waiting for Godot back in 2016. Much like Godot, Endgame involves a group of characters waiting around for something to happen - presumably the end of the world. Francis O'Connor’s imposing set creates a dark, dystopian future, with lighting and sound working well to transport us elsewhere.
The text itself is considered a masterpiece, but for the run-of-the-mill theatre goer, it may be tricky to decipher. Its nihilistic undertones provide little comfort in relation to the big question of why we are all here...
Aaron Monaghan is arguably the finest actor working in Irish theatre at present, and Rory Nolan is arguably the funniest. Watching these two bounce off each other, one can’t help but feel in the presence of an iconic duo. Backed up by Bosco Hogan and Marie Mullen, two legends of the stage and screen, the resulting performances are enthralling.
Although no aspect of the production can be faulted, for me, it was the play itself which I struggled to connect with, and I suspect I was not the only one. You could feel a slight lethargy in the room; something I have never experienced at a Druid performance before. In my lifetime, I have been fortunate enough to see 22 of Druid's productions, the vast majority of which were astounding, but this was probably my least favourite.
This is not a damnation by any means, given that Druid is the top theatre company in the country and consistently produces work of the highest standard. Yet, as I walked back to my car, only one thought lingered in my mind: Why Endgame? Again, perhaps I’m just not informed enough to ‘get it’, but that begs the question: how many people are?
Nevertheless, if you consider yourself a theatre lover, then Endgame is one of those plays that you simply must see. And when it comes to the canon, director Garry Hynes is likely to provide you with the quintessential version of any play.
Endgame runs at The Town Hall Theatre as part of Galway International Arts Festival until July 28.
