MB: You must have been happy with the response to How It Is?
JHL: We were thrilled, because it’s an unusual piece, so we weren’t quite sure how it would be received — but it was really well-received and the audience seemed to really appreciate it.
Stephen Dillane [Game of Thrones, etc] seemed to really enjoy the experience too…
Big time, and he’s on board with us for the next few years; we intend to make parts two and three over the next three years. Both Stephen and Mel [Mercier, sound designer] are with us for that. They are both very committed, which is brilliant.
There has been no shortage of Beckett productions for Irish audiences to enjoy recently. Why do you think his work is still so popular?
I think he transcends time. I’d say people will still be going to see Beckett for many years to come, which is testament to this writing and to his international reach. His work is not specific to any place or time, it really speaks to a bigger audience, worldwide, and we really have found that out in concrete terms by touring internationally over the last 20 years — in India, South Africa, China, Australia, America. We know his work is as appreciated there as it is at home. Beckett speaks to all people and for all times.
Read the complete interview over at the Irish Examiner website.
