An introduction to Waiting for Godot (1954), by the Franco-Irish novelist, playwright, Nobel laureate, and nihilist Samuel Beckett (1906-1989). This is a play in which nothing happens, twice — as the critic Vivian Mercier memorably wrote. In this three-part episode, you’ll learn first about Beckett’s style; and about the play’s structure, plot, and setting. Then we’ll address what it means to wait. What are we waiting for? How do we wait? What do we do as we wait? Finally, we’ll address the meaning of Godot. Who is he? What is he? What resolution does Godot offer and withhold? If you ever have, or someone you know has, suicidal thoughts — caused by existential dread or any reason whatsoever — reach out to the Distress Centre 24/7 at 403-266-HELP(4357).

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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