Photos courtesy of Jeff Lorch
The Geffen Playhouse’s production of Waiting for Godot is an enthralling ride that balances its minimalist scenery with the boisterous characters of Estragon and Vladimir, brought to life by Aasif Mandvi and Rainn Wilson, respectively. The production captures the tension of the anticipation surrounding the almost mythical figure of Godot and counterbalances it with the comical, absurd nature of the supporting characters and the brotherly dynamic between the pair. This dark comedy is not vacuous; it contains serious undertones, generating sympathy and laughs from the audience.
The play was originally written in late 1948 by Irish playwright, and well-known Existentialist thinker, Samuel Beckett. Rainn Wilson (“The Office”) and Aasif Mandvi (“The Daily Show”) bring backgrounds of iconic comedic roles, but in this production, their traditional farcicality is seen only in glimpses in their on-stage characters. This approach strengthens the performance overall, adding layers to moments of high tension and playing with the audience’s cognitive dissonance between the actors’ familiar personas and the roles they inhabit in Godot. Directed by Judy Hegarty Lovett and produced in association with Gare St Lazare Ireland, this rendition of Godot punches humor at the right moments while maintaining a mood of apprehension.
The play opens with the central motive established: the characters are “waiting for Godot.” Their dynamic is revealed early, with Mandvi’s Estragon embodying a younger sibling-like character, marked by whining, sensitivity, and reliance on Wilson’s Vladimir. Wilson’s character bears most of the responsibility, and is fighting with the reality of the situation, which is not helped by the memory loss of Estragon. During their patient wait, they deal with their discontent and unfavorable situations audibly with each other while encountering the outlandish Pozzo and servant Lucky, played by Conor Lovett and Adam Stein, respectively. Additionally, they receive word from Godot in the form of goatherd Lincoln Bonilla (starring in the press night performance).
The minimalist set—a lone, simplistic tree against a dark backdrop, evokes a haunting,ominous tone that tangibly persists throughout the play. This austere design allows the performances to shine. Exceptional lighting and shadow work sharpen the focus on the actors as wisps of herbal smoke drift in, adding to the air of mystique. In Act II, the tree sprouts leaves, and the lighting backdrop dramatically changes to a blinding white, alluding to time passing yet maintaining ambiguity of how long.
Mandvi and Wilson’s connection feels genuine, their shared struggles sometimes dragging each other down. Vladimir and Estragon are plagued by their own maladies, but misery is best enjoyed in company. Moments of silence captivate both the audience and the stage as we collectively share the act of waiting.
A particularly standout scene is Adam Stein’s outburst as Lucky. The physical comedy peaks at this moment. When Lucky finally “Thinks!”, the true nature of the play is laid bare. The search for purpose in the universe is portrayed as futile, and life as a cyclical fallacy. Stein’s movements are precise and sharp, physically punctuating his passionate monologue. With so much anticipation building to this moment, the audience is deeply invested in Lucky’s reaction to Pozzo’s abuse. The scene bursts with intensity as the bubble of tension finally pops.
This is known as the play about “nothing”—but the performances that mean everything. While Vladimir and Estragon wait for Godot, the audience never waits for the curtain to fall on Lovett and Gare St Lazare Ireland’s production of the Beckett classic at Geffen Playhouse.
Where: Geffen Playhouse, 10886 Le Conte Ave., Westwood
When: 8 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday; ends Dec. 21
Tickets: $49-$159
Information: (310) 208- 2028 or geffenplayhouse.org
Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes (one intermission)
Written by Samuel Beckett | Directed by Judy Hegarty Lovett | Produced in Association with Gare St Lazare Ireland
Featuring Lincoln Bonilla, Conor Lovett, Aasif Mandvi, Jack McSherry, Adam Stein & Rainn Wilson
