Krapp‘s Last Tape and Other Shorter Plays

Krapp´s Last Tape was first performed by Patrick Magee at the Royal Court Theatre in October 1958, and described as ´a solo, if that is the word, for one voice and two organs: one human, one mechanical. It fills few pages. It is perhaps the most original and important play of its length ever written.´ (Roy Walker) The present volume brings together Krapp´s Last Tape and Beckett´s other shorter works or ´dramaticules´ written for the stage. It will be complemented by a forthcoming Faber edition of dramatic works written for radio and screen. Arranged in chronological order of composition, these shorter plays exhibit the laconic means and compassionate ends of Beckett´s dramatic vision. KRAPP ´Here I end this reel. Box - [Pause.] - three, spool - [Pause.] - five. [Pause.] Perhaps my best years have gone. When there was a chance of happiness. But I wouldn´t want them back. Not with the fire in me now. No, I wouldn´t want them back. [Staring motionless before him.]