A rare chance to see a dance work inspired by Beckett and created by French choreographer Maguy Marin awaits at Sadler’s Wells in London at the end of the month. First performed in 1981, May B is described as an ‘arresting and powerfully theatrical work’ based on the writings of Samuel Beckett, who, we are told ‘unexpectedly offered his blessing to the then largely unknown choreographer to adapt his work. Echoing the relentlessness of Beckettian characters, the ten performers appear barely human – an ensemble of lost souls, their faces plastered in clay. Moving together and alone, their gestures are distilled to repetitive shuffles and their words garbled and replaced with rhythmic sighs and grunts’.
The publicity note tells us that ‘May B is set to the romantic music of Franz Schubert and Gavin Bryars’ contemporary musical genius. This haunting work features one single line from Beckett’s play Endgame: “Finished, it’s finished, nearly finished, it must be nearly finished” which Marin uses to give a pulse to her choreography’.
Performed more than forty times over its forty year existence, this is a rare chance to witness a masterpiece. The show, performed by Compagnie Maguy Marin will take place on May 21-22 at Sadler’s Wells, London. Further information and tickets available here.
The Samuel Beckett Society 