On Beckett
FEB 11–MAR 15, 2026
Klein Theatre
Photo of Bill Irwin by Mark Seliger. .
“SIMPLY SUBLIME…As if a magician invited you backstage and promised to show you the secrets of his tricks.”
–DC Theater Arts
“A singular performance not to be missed.”
–The Hill Rag
“Unique, challenging, funny, interesting, entertaining, thoughtful, entrancing…Irwin’s (exceptional!) skills bring all abstractions to life on stage.”
–BroadwayWorld
“INTENSELY PERSONAL…Stellar performance by a tremendous talent.”
–A Theatre-Goer’s Thoughts
“GREAT…[Irwin’s] talent really shines…See this show.”
–The Georgetown Dish
“ARRESTING…Irwin makes his audience love Beckett.”
–New York Theatre Wire
Conceived and performed by Bill Irwin
An Irish Repertory Theatre Production, Produced in association with Octopus Theatricals
Tony Award-winning actor and master clown Bill Irwin (Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Sesame Street) has spent a lifetime captivated by Samuel Beckett. With little more than a funny hat and a podium, Irwin mines the comedy and tragedy of Beckett’s work—including Waiting for Godot, Texts for Nothing, and more—in a nonstop display of jovial verbal and physical comedy that has become Irwin’s signature. Whether you’re encountering the Nobel Prize winner’s writings for the first time or building on a body of Beckett knowledge, the “pure, energizing joy” (The New York Times) of Irwin’s dynamic showcase is not to be missed.
Runtime: 90 minutes with no intermission.
Tickets and Schedule
Cast
Creator/Performer
Artistic Team
Scenic Designer: Charlie Corcoran
Costume Consultant: Martha Hally
Lighting Designer: Michael Gottlieb
Sound Designer: M. Florian Staab
Tour Production Manager: Luner Eclipse Productions
Tour Lighting Supervisor: Avery Reagan
Tour Audio Supervisor: Alex Brock
Production Stage Manager: Lisa McGinn*
Stage Management Sub: Natalie Hratko*
Tour Producer: Bryan Hunt
* Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers.
Production Photos
Learn More About On Beckett
Production Sponsors
Nan Beckley
Harman Family Foundation
Marcel C. LaFollette & Jeffrey K. Stine
Stephen & Lisa Ryan
All shows, artists, venues, and dates are subject to change.