WATT TOURS TO NEW YORK

OPENING AT THE PUBLIC THEATER,
LAFAYETTE STREET, NEW YORK
6th JANUARY.

Texts from the novel selected by Barry McGovern.

“....quite simply outstanding.....I'd also claim that Irish theatre still depends heavily on a love of the word. Proof of that came at the Gate theatre which has mounted a season of Beckett, Pinter and Mamet aptly subtitled The Relish of Language. And I got an almost delirious joy from hearing, and seeing, an hour-long distillation of Beckett's novel, Watt, adapted and performed by Barry McGovern and directed by Tom Creed.

As the hapless hero who goes to work in a remote country house owned by Mr Knott, McGovern reminded us that Beckett was, among many other things, one of the great Irish humorists. We are told of the long-suffering Watt that "he would literally turn the other cheek, if he had the energy". Wild images also proliferate, such as in Watt's modest sexual encounter in the kitchen with a Mrs Gorman, whose left breast had been removed "in the heat of a surgical operation". Beckett's autobiographical novel may be seen as a study of obsessional neurosis; it also emerges, in this adaptation, as explosively funny.”
Michael Billington, Guardian, 12 October 2010

“...this hour long show by the great Beckett interpreter Barry McGovern....It’s both ominous and funny....”
Irish Independent, 11 October 2010

“...testament to McGovern’s charisma, the poignancy of that finale is undiminished, and the departure of Watt.....is genuinely affecting. ...this is a highly enjoyable experience.”
Irish Examiner, 12 October 2010

“McGovern’s expressive reading of this strange narrative is compulsive from first to last, the actor wringing humour from a tale that reads like an allegory of life........beautifully realised under Tom Creed’s sharp direction......it’s a treat for anyone looking to extend their knowledge beyond the modernist writer’s usual staples.”
Metro Herald, 13 October 2010

Cast
Barry McGovern
Director Tom Creed

Creatives
Costume Design Joan O'Clery
Lighting Design James McConnell
Sound Design Denis Clohessy

Music by Barry McGovern after Samuel Beckett

Read More: http://www.publictheater.org

"Watt" premiered at the 2010 Ulster Bank Dublin Theatre Festival and is presented at Under the Radar as part of Imagine Ireland, Culture Ireland's year-long season of contemporary Irish arts in the U.S. in 2011.

Culture Ireland is the state agency for the promotion of Irish arts worldwide, working under the aegis of the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport. Culture Ireland creates and supports opportunities for Irish artists to present their work at strategic international festivals, venues, showcases and arts markets. The agency comprises a board appointed by the Minister and an executive staff led by the Chief Executive. www.cultureireland.gov.ie

Imagine Ireland is a year-long season of Irish arts in America in 2011, an initiative of Culture Ireland, with funding from the Department of Tourism, Culture and Sport. www.imagineireland.ie