How It Is (Part Two)
The Much Anticipated How It Is Part Two Finally Arrives at the Coronet Theatre
London’s West End is known for presenting the audience with the best English-speaking theatre worldwide. The beloved theatreland lends its stages to the best of the global theatre, not just the British performers, directors, and playwrights. At the same time, it gives its audience the golden opportunity to revisit some of the world classics. Therefore, if you consider yourself an avid theatre lover, you must look forward to these brief windows when these gems run in theatres near you. This year will provide you with such an opportunity because the Coronet Theatre is hosting the performance of the iconic play How It Is Part Two.
One of Beckett’s most notable and widely acclaimed works, this play has been a much-loved theatrical piece since its premiere. Decades later, it still attracts theatre lovers no matter where it is performed. If you have seen it earlier, you know how engaging and intriguing it could be. But if you have not seen it yet, you don’t know what you are missing. So, don’t miss the opportunity; get your tickets now.
A Timeless Tale of Life
The play is a timeless creation of the legendary Irish novelist Samuel Beckett. The Nobel laureate playwright, poet, and novelist is best known for his play “Waiting for Godot”. Some even argue that Beckett changed the world of theatre with his pathbreaking style. This is, however, not an exaggeration. Many consider him a founder of modern theatre. He introduced modernism into theatre, although his personal philosophy was that of absurdism. Through all his works, Beckett refused modern society, its trivial practices, refuted the norms, all the while presenting his ideas wrapped in ambiguity, reticence, and deflating humorous counterpoints. His ideas always came through as magnificent edifices, which stand apart from society’s mundane and miserable narrow-mindedness.
How It Is Part Two is perhaps one of the best representations of Beckett’s philosophy. It is a part of the celebrated Beckett Trio, which is essentially a long monologue by the author (or narrator, in the case of the play). At the same time, he crawls through endless mud and recalls his life in three distinct phases. The mud represents the world. And in this second part, he reminisces about his time with Pim, the ambiguous, enigmatic character who leaves him in oblivion.
The narrative is poignant, as expected from any other Beckettian text. But, at the same time, it is intriguing, confounding, and compels you to think.
A Legendary Team
After the roaring success of the first part, How It Is Part Two brings back the legendary director Judy Hegarty Lovett in another promising exploration of Beckett’s work. Lovett joins forces with artistic director Conor Lovett, who also performs in this play with Stephen Dillane. Just as the first part, The Irish Gamelan Orchestra will also play the music for this part.