Samuel Beckett`s Self–Referential Drama – The Sensitive Chaos, 2nd Edition

This book covers Beckett's complete dramatic works, which are examined through various expressive means: space, light, stage properties and costumes; acting, silences, vocal non-verbal expressions such as cries and whispers; and the notion of "being seen". A recurrent theme is how Beckett's self-referential and meta-theatrical plays refer back to the playwright's artistic self-consciousness and extend an invitation for an authentic dialogue with real people in the audience. This fully revised second edition includes five new chapters. "Spirit Made Light" demonstrates that Beckett's preoccupation with spiritual matters is uniquely exemplified through his film and TV scripts. A chapter on contemporary chaos theory highlights the many instances of his delicate balance between "order" and "disorder". "Godot as an Israeli Culture Hero" discusses Beckett's reception in Israel. "I on the Threshold of Offstage" explores the notion of a theatrically active void; and "On and Offstage: Spiritual Performatives in Beckett's Drama" deals with Beckett's works as they reveal a unique brinkmanship between accepting and rejecting religion and the Divine, his lucidly intellectual approach, his merciless scepticism, and his frequent ridiculing attitude towards sentimental and simplistic notions of "the spiritual" juxtaposed with his intensive quest for a "beyond".