John Hurt Captivates Los Angeles in Krapp's Last Tape

UPDATED: Charles McNulty proclaims Gate Theatre Dublin's Krapp's Last Tape one of the two most memorable productions of 2012, calling the staging "a definitive production of this solo work, thanks to the exquisite tragicomic sensitivity of John Hurt, an actor whose creased face is a poem about time every bit as expressive as Beckett's play."

David Eden Productions applauds John Hurt and Gate Theatre Dublin on their wildly successful engagement at Center Theatre Group's Kirk Douglas Theatre with Samuel Beckett's Krapp's Last Tape, directed by Michael Colgan. As was the case when David Eden Productions partnered with the Gate to present this landmark staging at the Shakespeare Theatre and at BAM last winter, audiences and critics were unanimous in their praise for this revelatory production.



Photo: Anthony Woods

 

“Magnificent…not to be missed.”

—Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times

“A dramatic poem of genius…executed by the brilliantly talented John Hurt.”

—Bob Verini, Variety

“Unforgettable. Theater lovers should do everything in their power to get there.”

—Paul Hodgins, The Orange County Register

John Hurt and Anwen Rees-Myers on opening night

Photo: Ryan Miller/Capture Imaging

In a virtuoso solo acting turn that is as technically accomplished as it is acutely felt, Hurt channels Beckett’s compassionately rueful comic spirit, delighting in the free intermingling of somber philosophical themes and subtle slapstick.… the distinguished British actor’s magnificent rendition… Verbally precise but equally deft with silence and movement… his soulful eyes registering every fleeting hurt and happiness… This is an actor in vintage form in a play that is as soft as it is stark.

  —Los AngelesTimes

John Hurt is perfect. And he stares forward at us, into the darkness, lips twisted in anguish, eyes brimming with heartache.

  —LAWeekly

The most compelling minutes I’ve ever experienced in a theatre…powerful and unforgettable. This is acting at its finest.... Anyone who values great acting and great theater owes it to themselves to rush to the Kirk Douglas before this limited engagement ends.

  —Los AngelesMagazine

John Hurt gives a career-defining performance in Beckett’s Krapp’s Last Tape…the laughs are contagious…and Hurt makes us feel every pang.

  —Backstage

Inspiring…John Hurt holds the audience’s attention and never lets go of it.... A more fully realized character could not have been wished for.  This is a consummate performance given by one of Britain’s finest actors.

  —BroadwayWorld.com

David Eden Productions is thrilled to have been able to continue working this autumn with Center Theatre Group, bringing another magnificent Irish theater production to the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City, which hosted the 2011 Los Angeles engagement of Martin McDonagh's The Cripple of Inishmaan as part of Druid's seventeen-week US tour of that production. These presentations would not be possible without the continued assistance of Culture Ireland.