Stage: Waiting for Godot

Worth Waiting for

By Jessica Kruse

I've never been a fan of Waiting for Godot. In the past few years I've seen it performed a handful of times and always came away apathetic, wondering, "What's all the hype?" But after seeing a performance of Godot last weekend at Test Market's Social Experimentation and Absurd Theater (SEAT), I had a change of heart. I didn't hate Godot. I just hated bad performances of Godot. When in the hands of a crew of talented actors and directors, Waiting for Godot can be incredible.

Godot is Samuel Beckett's existential play about two guys, Vladimir and Estragon, sitting around waiting for another guy (yep, that would be Godot) who never shows up. Days blend together. Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow. Who can remember what day it is? But then again, why does it even matter? Time is essentially irrelevant for the pair, and day after day they encounter and are reintroduced to the same wacky duo, Pozzo and Lucky. And each day, as the day ends, a Boy rushes in to tell Vladimir that Godot won't be coming today. But he'll definitely be coming tomorrow.

SEAT's Waiting for Godot displays a stunningly talented cast. Ernest Hemmings perfectly portrays tense, needy Vladimir, and T.J. Larsen as Estragon delights with his fantastic dim-witted comments and hilarious facial expressions. Joel Waymann as Pozzo's slave, Lucky, with his tortured, beaten-down demeanor, bravely bares nearly everything, shuffling on stage in a leather g-string and collar. But it's Eugene Kirk who steals the show as Pozzo, the whip-wielding, slightly fragile, sadistic master.

Suggesting that every person needs to enjoy Beckett is like suggesting everyone should love reading Greek epic poetry. It's just not for everyone. However, everyone should give it a chance. And with SEAT's annual Beckett Fest, you can experience a handful of carefully selected plays each year. Go to think about philosophy, time, God and enslavement. Or just go to laugh at the witty dialogue. It's your call and your time. But really, what is time?

Rounding out this year's Beckett Fest are performances of Play, Krapp's Last Tape, Act Without Words and Rough for Radio. The festival ended Dec. 5, but SEAT, located downtown in the Arts Factory, stages a new production every month, with special performances on First Fridays. Call the box office at 736-4313 or check out its website, www.godsexandbowling.com, for more info.