Endgame Hamms it up

Bare Naked Theatre will bring its adaptation of Samuel Beckett’s absurdist play Endgame to the Acting Up studios next week, encouraging audiences to experience the famous work in an intimate setting.

Directed by John Lee, the one-act play will challenge crowds with its famous disjointed dialogue and scenes, leaving people unsure as to where the boundaries of the production lie.

“Endgame steps outside the normal parameters set by a theatrical production,” Lee said.

“The actors have had to learn lines that aren’t particular to them and don’t relate to other characters.”

It astonished audiences when first performed in 1959, and Lee said this latest adaptation was also a tough one for the cast of four local actors.

Set after a never-detailed apocalyptic disaster, Endgame revolves around Hamm, his servant Clov, father Nagg, and mother Nell, all trapped together in Hamm’s home.

Lee said despite the challenges involved in performing the work, the actors “jumped” at the opportunity due to its difficulty.

Some pressures are even physical, with one actor required to remain on stage for the entire duration of the play.

But Lee was confident the result would wow crowds.

“I think it will give a great deal of entertainment to the audience,” he said.

The director knew of the play and its history; however, for other members of the cast it was a learning experience.

“And they’ve all done a tremendous job,” Lee said.

“There’s actually a lot of underlying laughs.”

The decision to host the play in Acting Up’s studio has purpose behind it, because the intimate setting allows for audiences to experience the production and play a role in its performance.

Endgame will show at the Acting Up studios on November 17, 18 and 19, as well as November 25.

Tickets are $40 and include pre-show entertainment canapes and drinks.

Visit trybooking.com/NOJS to book.