Synopsis
Masterful storyteller Frank Galati makes sense of Beckett’s profound exploration of the most mysterious corners of the human mind. Swerving from the magnificent to the miniscule and from the profound to the profoundly ridiculous, a powerful all-ensemble cast brings to life this epic tale set in a tiny room. Endgame is a compelling exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives that will have you talking all night long. Nobel Prize-winning playwright Samuel Beckett is the author of more than 25 plays and novels including Waiting for Godot, Happy Days and Krapp’s Last Tape, produced at Steppenwolf in 1978. An adaptor and director, as well as an actor, Tony® Award-winner Frank Galati's Steppenwolf credits include Kafka on the Shore, after the quake and The Grapes of Wrath among others. Broadway directing credits include Ragtime and The Grapes of Wrath, and he appears as Prospero this spring in Steppenwolf’s production of The Tempest.Content Advisory
Watch & Listen
Ensemble member William Petersen
credit: Mark Campbell
Endgame in Rehearsal
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit, as they pass their days in a tiny house by the sea—if the sea still exists. Pestered by Hamm's parents, they move through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. A powerful all-ensemble cast anchors this profound exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Ensemble members Francis Guinan and Ian Barford
credit: Mark Campbell
Endgame in Rehearsal
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit, as they pass their days in a tiny house by the sea—if the sea still exists. Pestered by Hamm's parents, they move through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. A powerful all-ensemble cast anchors this profound exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Ensemble members William Petersen and Ian Barford
credit: Mark Campbell
Endgame in Rehearsal
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit, as they pass their days in a tiny house by the sea—if the sea still exists. Pestered by Hamm's parents, they move through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. A powerful all-ensemble cast anchors this profound exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Ensemble members William Petersen, Frank Galati and Ian Barford
credit: Mark Campbell
Endgame in Rehearsal
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit, as they pass their days in a tiny house by the sea—if the sea still exists. Pestered by Hamm's parents, they move through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. A powerful all-ensemble cast anchors this profound exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Ensemble members William Petersen and Ian Barford
credit: Mark Campbell
Endgame in Rehearsal
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit, as they pass their days in a tiny house by the sea—if the sea still exists. Pestered by Hamm's parents, they move through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. A powerful all-ensemble cast anchors this profound exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Ensemble members Martha Lavey and Francis Guinan
credit: Mark Campbell
Endgame in Rehearsal
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit, as they pass their days in a tiny house by the sea—if the sea still exists. Pestered by Hamm's parents, they move through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. A powerful all-ensemble cast anchors this profound exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Ensemble members Francis Guinan and William Petersen
credit: Mark Campbell
Endgame in Rehearsal
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit, as they pass their days in a tiny house by the sea—if the sea still exists. Pestered by Hamm's parents, they move through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. A powerful all-ensemble cast anchors this profound exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Ensemble members Ian Barford and Martha Lavey
credit: Mark Campbell
Endgame in Rehearsal
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit, as they pass their days in a tiny house by the sea—if the sea still exists. Pestered by Hamm's parents, they move through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. A powerful all-ensemble cast anchors this profound exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Ensemble members Ian Barford and William Petersen
credit: Mark Campbell
Endgame in Rehearsal
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit, as they pass their days in a tiny house by the sea—if the sea still exists. Pestered by Hamm's parents, they move through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. A powerful all-ensemble cast anchors this profound exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Ensemble members Martha Lavey and Francis Guinan
credit: Mark Campbell
Endgame in Rehearsal
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit, as they pass their days in a tiny house by the sea—if the sea still exists. Pestered by Hamm's parents, they move through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. A powerful all-ensemble cast anchors this profound exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Ensemble members William Petersen and Ian Barford
credit: Mark Campbell
Endgame in Production
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit. Pestered by his parents, Hamm directs this unusual family through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. Swerving from the magnificent to the miniscule and from the profound to the profoundly ridiculous, a powerful all-ensemble cast brings to life this epic tale set in a tiny room. Endgame is a compelling exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Ensemble members William Petersen and Ian Barford
credit: Michael Brosilow
Endgame in Production
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit. Pestered by his parents, Hamm directs this unusual family through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. Swerving from the magnificent to the miniscule and from the profound to the profoundly ridiculous, a powerful all-ensemble cast brings to life this epic tale set in a tiny room. Endgame is a compelling exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Ensemble members William Petersen and Ian Barford
credit: Michael Brosilow
Endgame in Production
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit. Pestered by his parents, Hamm directs this unusual family through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. Swerving from the magnificent to the miniscule and from the profound to the profoundly ridiculous, a powerful all-ensemble cast brings to life this epic tale set in a tiny room. Endgame is a compelling exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Ensemble members Martha Lavey and Francis Guinan
credit: Michael Brosilow
Endgame in Production
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit. Pestered by his parents, Hamm directs this unusual family through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. Swerving from the magnificent to the miniscule and from the profound to the profoundly ridiculous, a powerful all-ensemble cast brings to life this epic tale set in a tiny room. Endgame is a compelling exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Ensemble members Martha Lavey,Francis Guinan and William Petersen
credit: Michael Brosilow
Endgame in Production
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit. Pestered by his parents, Hamm directs this unusual family through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. Swerving from the magnificent to the miniscule and from the profound to the profoundly ridiculous, a powerful all-ensemble cast brings to life this epic tale set in a tiny room. Endgame is a compelling exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Ensemble members William Petersen and Ian Barford
credit: Mark Campbell
Endgame in Production
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit. Pestered by his parents, Hamm directs this unusual family through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. Swerving from the magnificent to the miniscule and from the profound to the profoundly ridiculous, a powerful all-ensemble cast brings to life this epic tale set in a tiny room. Endgame is a compelling exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Ensemble member Francis Guinan
credit: Mark Campbell
Endgame in Production
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit. Pestered by his parents, Hamm directs this unusual family through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. Swerving from the magnificent to the miniscule and from the profound to the profoundly ridiculous, a powerful all-ensemble cast brings to life this epic tale set in a tiny room. Endgame is a compelling exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Ensemble members William Petersen and Ian Barford
credit: Mark Campbell
Endgame in Production
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit. Pestered by his parents, Hamm directs this unusual family through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. Swerving from the magnificent to the miniscule and from the profound to the profoundly ridiculous, a powerful all-ensemble cast brings to life this epic tale set in a tiny room. Endgame is a compelling exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Ensemble members Martha Lavey,Francis Guinan and William Petersen
credit: Mark Campbell
Endgame in Production
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit. Pestered by his parents, Hamm directs this unusual family through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. Swerving from the magnificent to the miniscule and from the profound to the profoundly ridiculous, a powerful all-ensemble cast brings to life this epic tale set in a tiny room. Endgame is a compelling exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Ensemble members Francis Guinan, William Petersen and Ian Barford
credit: Mark Campbell
Endgame in Production
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit. Pestered by his parents, Hamm directs this unusual family through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. Swerving from the magnificent to the miniscule and from the profound to the profoundly ridiculous, a powerful all-ensemble cast brings to life this epic tale set in a tiny room. Endgame is a compelling exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Ensemble members Martha Lavey and Francis Guinan
credit: Mark Campbell
Endgame in Production
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit. Pestered by his parents, Hamm directs this unusual family through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. Swerving from the magnificent to the miniscule and from the profound to the profoundly ridiculous, a powerful all-ensemble cast brings to life this epic tale set in a tiny room. Endgame is a compelling exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Ensemble members William Petersen and Ian Barford
credit: Mark Campbell
Endgame in Production
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit. Pestered by his parents, Hamm directs this unusual family through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. Swerving from the magnificent to the miniscule and from the profound to the profoundly ridiculous, a powerful all-ensemble cast brings to life this epic tale set in a tiny room. Endgame is a compelling exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Ensemble members William Petersen and Ian Barford
credit: Mark Campbell
Endgame in Production
Beckett's absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit. Pestered by his parents, Hamm directs this unusual family through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything. Swerving from the magnificent to the miniscule and from the profound to the profoundly ridiculous, a powerful all-ensemble cast brings to life this epic tale set in a tiny room. Endgame is a compelling exploration of the stories we construct to make sense of our lives.Former Young Adult Council member Owais Ahmed arrives at the Endgame MaTEENée with current Council members Viviani Valadez and Andrew Raia
credit:
MaTEENée for Endgame
High School students from all over the city came to see the “MaTEENée” performance of Endgame, hosted by the Steppenwolf Young Adult Council. After the show, participants had the opportunity to meet members of the cast and explore the play through post-show discussion and theatre exercises.Former Young Adult Council member Danielle O’Donoghue grabs a bite to eat with current Council member Grace McQueeny and other MaTEENée guests during the Endgame MaTEENée
credit:
MaTEENée for Endgame
High School students from all over the city came to see the “MaTEENée” performance of Endgame, hosted by the Steppenwolf Young Adult Council. After the show, participants had the opportunity to meet members of the cast and explore the play through post-show discussion and theatre exercises.Young Adult Council member Pierre Walker poses with his friend from Chicago Academy for the Arts
credit:
MaTEENée for Endgame
High School students from all over the city came to see the “MaTEENée” performance of Endgame, hosted by the Steppenwolf Young Adult Council. After the show, participants had the opportunity to meet members of the cast and explore the play through post-show discussion and theatre exercises.Teens listen to ensemble members Francis Guinan and Ian Barford speak about their experience rehearsing Endgame
credit:
MaTEENée for Endgame
High School students from all over the city came to see the “MaTEENée” performance of Endgame, hosted by the Steppenwolf Young Adult Council. After the show, participants had the opportunity to meet members of the cast and explore the play through post-show discussion and theatre exercises.Ensemble member Francis Guinan participates in the post-show conversation, led by senior Young Adult Council member Laura Fisher
credit:
MaTEENée for Endgame
High School students from all over the city came to see the “MaTEENée” performance of Endgame, hosted by the Steppenwolf Young Adult Council. After the show, participants had the opportunity to meet members of the cast and explore the play through post-show discussion and theatre exercises.Teen congregate in the Steppenwolf Administrative building to discuss the themes and ideas in Endgame
credit:
MaTEENée for Endgame
High School students from all over the city came to see the “MaTEENée” performance of Endgame, hosted by the Steppenwolf Young Adult Council. After the show, participants had the opportunity to meet members of the cast and explore the play through post-show discussion and theatre exercises.Young Adult Council member Alex Frisch leads an artistic conversation about Endgame
credit:
MaTEENée for Endgame
High School students from all over the city came to see the “MaTEENée” performance of Endgame, hosted by the Steppenwolf Young Adult Council. After the show, participants had the opportunity to meet members of the cast and explore the play through post-show discussion and theatre exercises.Young Adult Council member Grace McQueeny listens to a guest speak about the play
credit:
MaTEENée for Endgame
High School students from all over the city came to see the “MaTEENée” performance of Endgame, hosted by the Steppenwolf Young Adult Council. After the show, participants had the opportunity to meet members of the cast and explore the play through post-show discussion and theatre exercises.The line to get into the EXPLORE event snakes around the Garage Theatre.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of Endgame
Square, the Circle, Lucky Plush and The Neo-Futurists and Theater Oobleck provided Beckett inspired performances while projections by Mike Tutaj and Irish food from Sully's rounded out the EXPLORE event, which was held before a Friday evening performance of Endgame.The band Square, the Circle entertained with songs that included Beckett inspired lyrics.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of Endgame
Square, the Circle, Lucky Plush and The Neo-Futurists and Theater Oobleck provided Beckett inspired performances while projections by Mike Tutaj and Irish food from Sully's rounded out the EXPLORE event, which was held before a Friday evening performance of Endgame.EXPLORE attendees enjoy the event.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of Endgame
Square, the Circle, Lucky Plush and The Neo-Futurists and Theater Oobleck provided Beckett inspired performances while projections by Mike Tutaj and Irish food from Sully's rounded out the EXPLORE event, which was held before a Friday evening performance of Endgame.Lucky Plush performs
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of Endgame
Square, the Circle, Lucky Plush and The Neo-Futurists and Theater Oobleck provided Beckett inspired performances while projections by Mike Tutaj and Irish food from Sully's rounded out the EXPLORE event, which was held before a Friday evening performance of Endgame.Lucky Plush performs
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of Endgame
Square, the Circle, Lucky Plush and The Neo-Futurists and Theater Oobleck provided Beckett inspired performances while projections by Mike Tutaj and Irish food from Sully's rounded out the EXPLORE event, which was held before a Friday evening performance of Endgame.Event attendees watch the performances.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of Endgame
Square, the Circle, Lucky Plush and The Neo-Futurists and Theater Oobleck provided Beckett inspired performances while projections by Mike Tutaj and Irish food from Sully's rounded out the EXPLORE event, which was held before a Friday evening performance of Endgame.Lucky Plush performs
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of Endgame
Square, the Circle, Lucky Plush and The Neo-Futurists and Theater Oobleck provided Beckett inspired performances while projections by Mike Tutaj and Irish food from Sully's rounded out the EXPLORE event, which was held before a Friday evening performance of Endgame.EXPLORE attendees enjoy the event.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of Endgame
Square, the Circle, Lucky Plush and The Neo-Futurists and Theater Oobleck provided Beckett inspired performances while projections by Mike Tutaj and Irish food from Sully's rounded out the EXPLORE event, which was held before a Friday evening performance of Endgame.Greg Allen from the Neo-Futurists.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of Endgame
Square, the Circle, Lucky Plush and The Neo-Futurists and Theater Oobleck provided Beckett inspired performances while projections by Mike Tutaj and Irish food from Sully's rounded out the EXPLORE event, which was held before a Friday evening performance of Endgame.Greg Allen from the Neo-Futurists and Danny Thompson from Theater Oobleck perform an original piece about Samuel Beckett.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of Endgame
Square, the Circle, Lucky Plush and The Neo-Futurists and Theater Oobleck provided Beckett inspired performances while projections by Mike Tutaj and Irish food from Sully's rounded out the EXPLORE event, which was held before a Friday evening performance of Endgame.Event attendees watch the performances.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of Endgame
Square, the Circle, Lucky Plush and The Neo-Futurists and Theater Oobleck provided Beckett inspired performances while projections by Mike Tutaj and Irish food from Sully's rounded out the EXPLORE event, which was held before a Friday evening performance of Endgame.Projections by Mike Tutaj added ambiance and depth to the event.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of Endgame
Square, the Circle, Lucky Plush and The Neo-Futurists and Theater Oobleck provided Beckett inspired performances while projections by Mike Tutaj and Irish food from Sully's rounded out the EXPLORE event, which was held before a Friday evening performance of Endgame.Event attendees watch the performances.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of Endgame
Square, the Circle, Lucky Plush and The Neo-Futurists and Theater Oobleck provided Beckett inspired performances while projections by Mike Tutaj and Irish food from Sully's rounded out the EXPLORE event, which was held before a Friday evening performance of Endgame.Lucky Plush performs
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of Endgame
Square, the Circle, Lucky Plush and The Neo-Futurists and Theater Oobleck provided Beckett inspired performances while projections by Mike Tutaj and Irish food from Sully's rounded out the EXPLORE event, which was held before a Friday evening performance of Endgame.credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of Endgame
Square, the Circle, Lucky Plush and The Neo-Futurists and Theater Oobleck provided Beckett inspired performances while projections by Mike Tutaj and Irish food from Sully's rounded out the EXPLORE event, which was held before a Friday evening performance of Endgame.Square, the Circle entertained with songs that included Beckett inspired lyrics.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of Endgame
Square, the Circle, Lucky Plush and The Neo-Futurists and Theater Oobleck provided Beckett inspired performances while projections by Mike Tutaj and Irish food from Sully's rounded out the EXPLORE event, which was held before a Friday evening performance of Endgame.EXPLORE attendees enjoy the event.
credit: Mark Campbell
EXPLORE: The World of Endgame
Square, the Circle, Lucky Plush and The Neo-Futurists and Theater Oobleck provided Beckett inspired performances while projections by Mike Tutaj and Irish food from Sully's rounded out the EXPLORE event, which was held before a Friday evening performance of Endgame.Cast & Artists
The Artists
- Author: Samuel Beckett
- Directed by: ensemble member Frank Galati
- Costume Design: James Schuette
- Scenic Design: James Schuette
- Lighting Design: James F. Ingalls
- Original Music: Andre Pluess
- Original Music: Ben Sussman
- Sound Design: Andre Pluess
- Sound Design: Ben Sussman
Featured Ensemble Members
Reviews
"Galati and his actors find the sweet spot between dark humor and simple darkness." - Time Out Chicago
"Clear, thoughtful, alternately mysterious and comic." - Chicago Sun-Times
Program Articles
Artistic Director Martha Lavey on Samuel Beckett's masterpiece
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Artistic Director Martha Lavey talks with Director Frank Galati