The Samuel Beckett Theatre is hidden away on the Trinity College campus, around the corner from the end of New Square. Its location is reflective of the type of theatre that it plays host to: somewhat obscure to those that are not familiar with it. The Samuel Beckett Theatre is far and away from the gaudy decoration of the Gaiety or the plainer affluence of the Abbey.
Built on more modern lines, it is a fine example of a black box theatre - and the name really does say it all. Sparse and somewhat reminiscent of a warehouse, the stage is floor level and the seats in raised levels above it. Unprepossessing as it may appear, the Samuel Beckett has had an impressive and diverse history of world-renowned theatre companies tread its (hypothetical) boards. These theatre companies are virtually unseen in Dublin's other playhouses, the Abbey and Gate consistently showing good if unexciting, predominantly Irish, plays, and the Gaiety's offerings of pantomimes, musicals, and the occasional opera. The Samuel Beckett, on the other hand, offers an inspiring range of world-renowned alternative and often experimental drama.
Last year saw a production of the theatre's namesake's Waiting for Godot in Korean and will feature Japanese Noh theatre in 2010. Annual features well worth viewing are the showcase of the fourth year Drama BA productions, in which the next up and coming young talent can be earmarked. However, due to the fact that these productions are not very well publicised, the discerning theatre goer has to keep their ear to the ground to ensure they can secure themselves a slightly uncomfortable seat.
The foyer, or waiting area, is plain, but features some of the famous photographic portraits of Samuel Beckett, and where tea, coffee and wine may also be obtained to further heighten the audience member's theatrical viewing. While not to everybody's taste, the Samuel Beckett offers a dramatic experience that is certainly neither bland nor mainstream, but exciting, disturbing and thought provoking - which is exactly what drama should be. read more