The Theatrical Notebooks of Samuel Beckett: Krapp’s Last Tape

Samuel Beckett directed Krapp’s Last Tape on four separate occasions: this volume offers a facsimile of his 1969 Schiller-Theater notebook.

Professor Knowlson writes that in these notes ‘we see Beckett simplifying, shaping and refining, as he works towards a realization of the play that will function well dramatically. The material reveals a flexibility and openness of approach often considered alien to Beckett’s ways of working in the theatre.’ The Schiller notebook also contains some of the most explicit analysis by Beckett of his own work ever revealed.

The revised text incorporates many of the changes Beckett made in the 1969 Schiller production, as well as subsequent changes in later productions. Professor Knowlson worked closely with Beckett over these revisions - and deviations from the original are noted and explained in detail.