Explore this Show

Overview

Synopsis

Two men, Vladimir (Didi) and Estragon (Gogo), meet near a tree. They while away the hours, talking philosophy, bodily functions, and sharing a few measly turnips, all while waiting for a man named Godot -- who never seems to come. They are joined by the oafish, bombastic Pozzo, his leashed human slave, Lucky, and eventually by a young boy, who informs them that that although Godot will not come today, he surely will tomorrow. In Samuel Beckett’s wickedly funny, frequently moving existential play, Didi and Gogo wait, and wait, and wait. Their plight and the desolate landscape they inhabit was inspired by Beckett’s experience during World War II, in which he spent many years in hiding as a member of a betrayed French Resistance group. Though tragic in theme and sweeping in scope, Waiting for Godot is a delectable combination of witty dialogue and physical comedy, and the roles have been embraced by actors such as Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart, Robin Williams and Steve Martin, Nathan Lane and Bill Irwin, and many more. Waiting For Godot is theatre at its best -- surprising, charming, and compulsively watchable.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1953
Genres
Dark Comedy
Settings
Simple/No Set
Time & Place
“a country road. a tree. evening.”
Cast Size
small
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Ideal For
Regional Theatre, Small Cast, All-Male Cast, Includes Adult, Child, Early Teen Characters

Context

Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Vladimir

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Estragon

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Pozzo

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Lucky

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Boy

Featured

Male

Spoken

Songs

Sorry, we currently do not have content for this section.

A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

Videos

Quizzes

Themes, Symbols & Motifs

Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.

Quote Analysis

Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.

Guide Written By:

Cindi Calhoun

Cindi Calhoun

Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress