What’s it all about?
A lone figure, a voice in the dark, explores who it is and why it speaks in this piercing exploration of gender, identity and the human spirit. Hitherto unperformed, No’s Knife has been adapted from Samuel Beckett’s Texts For Nothing – a series of 13 untitled short stories. Lisa Dwan, widely considered to be the foremost adaptor of his work, breathes new life into the dense works which examine the resilience required for humans to survive. Questioning everything, the piece is captivating, witty and wonderfully confounding.
Who’s in it?
Following her sell-out international tour of the Beckett Trilogy, Lisa Dwan returns to the avant-garde writer’s work. The monologues are delivered with a ferocious intensity, at times filled with rage and sometimes with great humour. No’s Knife is a remarkable feat of endurance with Lisa’s energy never dropping, and lines delivered with absolute perfection.
What should I look out for?
The show opens with an extraordinary series of video projects before revealing Lisa, alone on the Old Vic’s stage. The beautifully designed set is a barren land that is brought to life by Lisa’s performance – breathing life into a desolate place.
What’s being said on Twitter?
Monumental performance from @Lisadwan in Becketts #NosKnife @oldvictheatre with stunning visuals and expect direction from @joelukemurphy1
— Michael Shelford (@michaelshelford) October 4, 2016
Captivating performance from @Lisadwan in #Beckett‘s #NosKnife at the @oldvictheatre last night. Amazing energy!
— Robert Adlam (@robert_adlam) October 4, 2016
@Lisadwan Another spectacular performance… #NosKnife is a triumph. Beckett’s words are exquisitely lifted from the page. Congratulations
— Darren Matthews (@DarrenM1974) September 30, 2016
In a nutshell?
Moving, engaging and powerfully performed – No’s Knife is a triumph that poses profound questions throughout an all too short 70 minutes. No’s Knife plays at the Old Vic until 15 October. You can purchase your tickets through us.