KRAPP’S LAST TAPE

BY SAMUEL BECKETT

STARRING JOHN HURT
FOR 10 PERFORMANCES

‘MAGNIFICENT… not to be missed’ Los Angeles Times

‘John Hurt’s definitive turn as Krapp … directed with crackling intelligence by the Gate Theatre of Dublin’s Michael Colgan’ Washington Post

‘Achingly fine performance… Mr. Hurt has the crusty Krapp thoroughly in his well-versed actor’s bones… unforgettable’ The New York Times

Following sold-out runs in Los Angeles (2012), Washington D.C. and New York (2011), the critically acclaimed Gate Theatre production of Samuel Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape starring John Hurt returns to the Gate stage for just 10 performances from Tuesday 19th March. Directed by Gate Theatre Director Michael Colgan, the production received rave reviews in the U.S. with Charles Isherwood of the New York Times citing it as The Solo Performance of 2011.

The Gate is delighted to welcome veteran actor John Hurt back to the Dublin stage. For the Gate Theatre, Hurt has previously appeared in Krapp’s Last Tape as well as in Afterplay (Dublin, London, US tour) and London Vertigo (Dublin). Over an impressive career spanning six decades, Hurt has received six BAFTA nominations and three BAFTAs, two Oscar nominations, an Evening Standard Award, and a Golden Globe. In 2012, he received a special BAFTA Award for his Outstanding British Contribution to Cinema.

Originally entitled Magee Monologue, Krapp’s Last Tape was inspired by playwright Samuel Beckett’s experience of listening to Irish actor Patrick Magee read extracts from Molloy and From an Abandoned Work on the radio. Hurt plays the titular Krapp, who marks the occasion of his 69th birthday by revisiting his 39-year-old self by listening to a previous birthday tape recording. This is one of Beckett’s most personal works for the stage—a feat of great precision and tense economy. Featuring discreet details from the playwright’s own life, the piece illuminates the predicament we face when we become strangers to our former selves, examining themes of mortality, creativity, and memory.

Director Michael Colgan
Lighting Design Jim McConnell

All Tickets €25 | Evening performances at 8pm | Matinee Saturday 23rd March at 3pm
10 Performances Only