Samuel Beckett's "Not I" and "Rockaby" Performed by Jeni Jones

Samuel Beckett's "Not I" and "Rockaby"

Samuel Beckett’s rarely attempted play "Not I" delves into the depths of human consciousness, exploring themes of identity, isolation, justice, and existentialism. Set against the backdrop of darkness, the play is a roughly ten-minute rapid fire monologue spewed by “Mouth,” played by Jeni Jones, who vehemently refuses to relinquish third person.

Hailed as “overpowering” by The New York Times, Beckett’s haunting piece “Rockaby” charts a woman's journey back into life before she arrives at death. There will be a brief pause between pieces.

Jeni has previously directed plays by Samuel Beckett, including “Waiting for Godot” and “Krapp’s Last Tape.” Known for her award-winning work in both film and theatre, she is also an underground rapper.

Produced by Plank Productions and with assistant direction by Megan Stone, the double bill of Samuel Beckett's "Not I" and “Rockaby” opens December 14, 2024 at the Broadwater Black Box Theatre for a limited engagement.

Following the performance December 14, there will be a special “Talk Back” session hosted by renowned Beckett scholar Katherine Weiss, the Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Letters at California State University, Los Angeles. Katherine has published widely on modern and contemporary theatre, notably as a co-editor of Samuel Beckett: History, Memory, Archive (Palgrave Macmillan 2009), Samuel Beckett and Contemporary Art (ibidem 2017), and author of The Plays of Samuel Beckett (Bloomsbury 2013). She has been a lecturer at the Samuel Beckett Summer School (2019). More recently, she is the scholar-in-residence for the Ashland Beckett Shorts Festival. Her commitment to justice has led to many interesting projects, including work within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience a new incarnation of Samuel Beckett’s challenging theatrical masterpieces accompanied by what is sure to be a riveting, educational conversation with renowned Beckett scholar Katherine Weiss.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Broadwater Black Box, 6322 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles, United States