The fourth annual festival celebrating the life and work of Samuel Beckett will be held in the author’s home parish church of Tullow in Foxrock, County Dublin, with what promises to be a very atmospheric performance of All That Fall.
The festival is the idea of the current incumbent the Rev. John Tanner, and is organised with the help of Jane Bowes, previously director of Dublin Unesco City of Literature, who explained the idea behind the event. ‘There was a feeling in the parish that the church’s connection with a Nobel Laureate should be celebrated and publicised. The parish partnered with the local business association and Mouth on Fire theatre company to create Beckett in Foxrock in 2016 and it has continued with a different production each year.’ In the opening year, a plaque commemorating the author was unveiled near the family’s regular pew by Caroline Murphy, Beckett’s niece. Since then, the church has been keen to welcome as many Beckettians as possible to share the unique experience of its atmosphere. ‘We love to see visitors coming but as the church is not open all the time prior notice will avoid disappointment’ Bowes explained. (Enquiries should be made to beckettfoxrock@gmail.com)
The performance of All that Fall promises to be unique. Writing to Aidan Higgins at the time of composition, Beckett imagined the play as ‘feet dragging and breath short and cart wheels and imprecations from the Brighton Road to Foxrock Station and back’. The result was the setting of the thinly disguised local neighbourhood given the slightly derogatory, name of ‘Boghill’. The small church of Tullow is situated directly along the route and will, no doubt provide a memorable setting for the thoughts of Old Maddy Rooney and the pious Miss Fitt. In addition ‘We are also very honoured that the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins and Mrs Higgins will join us’ according to the organisers. As on every other incarnation of Beckett in Foxrock, the performance will be preceded by an introductory lecture and followed by a wine reception and exhibition.
Tickets available from Eventbrite.
The Samuel Beckett Society 