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Samuel Beckett

Michael Shannon and Paul Sparks Excel in ‘Waiting for Godot’

ROAD TO NOWHERE

Michael Shannon and Paul Sparks bring a bracing comedic energy to a “Waiting for Godot” that makes sense of the play’s various absurdities and resonant depth.

Tim Teeman | Published Nov 14, 2023

Bill Irwin, the Clown Who Conquered Broadway—and Beckett

TRANSFORMATION

The Tony-winning actor Bill Irwin talks playing opposite Kathleen Turner, Robin Williams, Steve Martin, and Sally Field—and how clowning led to his own fame on stage and screen.

Tim Teeman | Published Feb 11, 2023

Inside Bill Irwin’s Brilliant Samuel Beckett Masterclass

PUZZLE NO MORE

The challenge of performing in Samuel Beckett’s plays led Bill Irwin to conceive ‘On Beckett,’ a beguiling, elucidating mixture of literary analysis and acting masterclass.

Tim Teeman | Published Oct 03, 2018

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‘50 Shades’ Or Literary Classic?

Literary Porn

Take our quiz to see if you can distinguish between ‘50 Shades of Grey’ and masterpieces like ‘Lady Chatterley’s Lover’ or ‘Rabbit, Run.’

The Crush for ‘Cosmopolis’

CANNES REVIEW

<p>Michael Haneke’s <i>Amour</i> may have won the Palme d’Or, but David Cronenberg’s competition entry provided plenty of intrigue: an appearance by seldom seen author Don DeLillo, a reinvented star in Robert Pattinson—and a surprisingly topical subject. Richard Porton reports from Cannes.</p>

Richard Porton | Published May 27, 2012

Broadway's Comeback Kid

Playwright

<p>Acclaimed playwright Jon Robin Baitz talks about his lauded new play, ‘Other Desert Cities,’ his crash-and-burn experience with ‘Brothers and Sisters’ on TV, David Mamet’s turn to the right, Rob Lowe’s graciousness, and other matters theatrical and personal.</p>

Kevin Sessums | Published Nov 02, 2011

The Lure of Realism

Tom McCarthy’s last book was an unconventional cult hit, but his new novel turns toward realism and delivers a great story and writing, says Taylor Antrim.

Taylor Antrim | Published Sep 08, 2010

The Best of Brit Lit

A look at great reads from the editor of the Times Literary Supplement. This week: a look at five new novels on the financial crisis, an overlooked Irish writer’s work and a persnickety letter from Beckett, and the disappearance of horses from English culture.

Peter Stothard | Published Apr 01, 2010

The Funniest Irish Novel

James Joyce might have written the greatest Irish novel, but J. P. Donleavy certainly wrote the funniest, says Allen Barra in his review of this outrageous classic. Plus, Mark Salter's literary tour of Ireland

Allen Barra | Published Mar 16, 2010

The Best of Brit Lit

A look at great reads from the editor of the Times Literary Supplement. This week: Samuel Beckett, Colm Tóibín, Hilary Mantel, and Roberto Bolaño top this year’s list of the best books.

Peter Stothard | Published Nov 25, 2009

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