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Overview

Synopsis

The Dumb Waiter is Pinter’s second play. A one-act play heavily influenced by Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, it revolves around two would-be assassins waiting to learn what their next assignment will be. These men, Ben and Gus, are polar opposites: Ben takes orders as they come without question, while Gus nervously awaits new assignments by peppering Ben with myriad questions. Ben is content with his living arrangement, while Gus itches to get out in the world and do something more substantive. As Ben and Gen await their newest assignment by debating odd topics and reading the newspaper, mysterious happenings occur. Some unknown person keeps sending down random food orders through a dumb waiter, while their unseen boss Wilson keeps changing their instructions. The final showdown occurs not between the two assassins and their victim, but between Ben the assassin and Gus, who has been designated as the next victim. Told through Pinter’s distinctive wit and poignant pauses, The Dumb Waiter is one of Pinter’s most acclaimed earlier works.

Show Information

Text And Format
Harold Pinter
Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
1
First Produced
1960
Genres
Dark Comedy
Settings
Unit/Single Set
Time & Place
a basement with a kitchen attached
Cast Size
small
Ideal For
college/university theatre, fringe festival, community theatre, regional theatre, College/University, Regional Theatre, Small Cast, All-Male Cast, Includes Adult Characters

Context

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Plot

Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Ben

Lead

Male

Gus

Lead

Male

Songs

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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

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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

    Absurdist theatre is built on the philosophy that life is basically meaningless.

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Quote Analysis

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