Upclose with Peter Reid

HK Magazine: Having directed other Beckett plays, how do you think “Waiting For Godot” differs from his other works?
Peter Reid: “Waiting for Godot” was Beckett’s first play; it was written quickly as a diversion from writing his novels. It is also his most accessible. But the themes of all of Beckett’s plays are the same: he explores the futility of existence versus hope, mankind’s foolish belief in salvation by a benign God and trust and mistrust of memory.

HK: Who is Godot? And why are we waiting for him?
PR: I don’t know and don’t care to know, the important thing is not who Godot is or might be, but what keeps the characters in the play waiting for him. To try and think about who Godot is will give you a headache and Beckett said, “If what it’s all about gives people a headache, I won’t supply the aspirin.” If the idea is that Godot is God, it seems that he is a benign and uncaring one.

HK: If you could ask Beckett a question on “Waiting For Godot,” what would that be?
PR: From what I’m aware of, he hated being asked questions about his work. He said if he knew who Godot was he would have said so in the script. Had I an opportunity to ask him anything it would most likely be, “Do you want another drink?”

HK: What message are you trying to communicate through the play?
PR: I’m personally not trying to show anything; I’m trying to present the play as close as possible to the author’s intention. That’s my only job. I don’t presume to know anything that is not written in the script. But if the audience want to make their own mind up about it, that’s their business.

HK: Describe Samuel Beckett’s works in three words.
PR: Funny, Irish, genius.

HK: Do you believe in God?
PR: Belief in God requires faith. Faith can be a reaction to how you are feeling. It seems we always have the most faith when things are going really badly for us. So if you ask me today I might say yes and if you ask the same next week I might say no. It’s a tough question.