Samuel Beckett's Theatre in America

A study of the 30-year collaboration between playwright Samuel Beckett and director Alan Schneider, Bianchini reconstructs their shared American productions between 1956 and 1984. By examining how Beckett was introduced to American audiences, this book leads into a wider historical discussion of American theatre in the mid-to-late 20th century.

“This book is a readable, often fascinating work that relies on a host of source material never before brought together … Samuel Beckett’s Theatre in America will be of enormous assistance to those who wish to better understand either of its central characters, or the American theatre especially in the period from 1956-71, or indeed the relationship between playwright and director in the theatrical process.” (Richard Jones, the Journal of American Drama and Theatre, Vol. 30 (2), 2018)

"The professional and personal relationship between a remarkable director and an extraordinary playwright finds in Bianchini's volume the kind of examination it has long deserved. Re-tracing each of their collaborations - from the earliest phase of Schneider's research and planning, through his notes and correspondence with Beckett and the rehearsal process, to performance and critical response - the author offers an insightful and comprehensive study of two creative greats that makes for a truly wonderful read!" - Lois Oppenheim, Professor of Modern Languages and Literatures, Montclair State University, USA and Past President of The Samuel Beckett Society

"Bianchini explores the extraordinary intimacy between playwright, Samuel Beckett, and director, Alan Schneider, in this scrupulously documented history, detailing the specifics of Schneider's obsessive desire to accurately portray Beckett's plays in accordance with the author's wishes. In an age where director's concepts weigh farmore heavily than the playwright's intentions, Bianchini's focus on Schneider's interpretive art is refreshing, absorbing, and incredibly helpful not only to Beckett scholars, but to any directing students interested in understanding how to approach a script." - David A. Crespy, Professor of Playwriting, Acting, & Dramatic Literature, University of Missouri, USA, and President of The Edward Albee Society

Natka Bianchini is Assistant Professor of Theatre in the Department of Fine Arts at Loyola University Maryland, USA.