Comedy turns dark and absurd in the Kirkwood Community College production of Endgame. The winter play will be presented in four performances, February 9-12, in Ballantyne Auditorium. Thursday, Friday and Saturday show times are at 7:30 p.m., with a 2:30 p.m. Sunday matinee.
Samuel Beckett’s one-act play features an aged, blind master and his servant struggling to deal with their unchanging lives. Each day contains actions and reactions of previous days until their lives are transformed into a predictable, ritualistic state. For this reason, it is of no surprise that Beckett’s title, Endgame, refers to the last part of chess, when few pieces are left, and the outcome is obvious.
The London Times states, “Endgame has outraged the Philistines, earned the contempt of the half wits and filled those who are capable of telling the difference between a theatre and a bawdy house with a profound and somber and paradoxical joy … A magnificent theatrical experience.”
Patrick DuLaney directs the Kirkwood student performers, with set and lighting design by Shelly A. Ford and costume design by Annee Noah.
“I am delighted to be a part of bringing to you these exciting, scary, and unexpectedly funny people doing their best to just get through the day,” said DuLaney.
Tickets for Endgame are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students with current ID. Kirkwood students and employees are admitted free. Tickets are available from the Kirkwood Theatre box office in 336 Cedar Hall, or by calling (319) 398-5899, ext. 4331.