Nearly a decade later, Nishumbita's intimate staging of this Beckett classic remains a masterclass in minimalist theatre direction and nuanced performance.
Verdict
Performance: ★★★★☆ (Madhav Raj Bhatt’s nuanced portrayal of a 69-year-old is remarkable)
Direction: ★★★★☆ (Mohan Hollagundi creates the right mood with minimalist aesthetics)
Technical Execution: ★★★☆☆ (Sound design falls short; set placement could be optimized)
Overall: A compelling one-act play that rewards patient, attentive audiences seeking sophisticated theatre.
Krapp’s Last Tape by Nishumbita
Venue: Apollo Foundation Theatre
Title: Krapp’s Last Tape (One Act Play)
Playwright: Samuel Beckket
Director: Ram Mohan Hollagundi
Production: Nishumbita Ballet & Theatre
Plot:
Krapp, a lonely old man, spends each of his birthdays, recording a tape for himself, a sort of personal audio log (this was written in 1958, much before the advent of podcasts mind you). Today, on his 69th birthday, he revisits the tape he had recorded 30 years ago, before sitting down to recount the year gone by. As the title suggests this is Krapp’s last tape recording.
Review:
Madhav Raj Bhatt pulled off playing a cantankerous old man with consummate ease. Measured and purposeful movement accompanied by the gruff voice of a sour man, were the hallmarks of his performance. It is no mean feat for a 25-year-old to look the part of a 69-year-old man. He had the mannerisms pat down, right down to the hunched back and unsteady hands.
The one-act play ran for a little over an hour. It had the intimate audience at the Apollo Foundation Theatre spellbound from the very first minute. With minimal soft lighting, the director set the right mood and drew the audience in.
The detailing that went into the set design was commendable, although the main desk where most of the action took place was off centre. It may have worked at Apollo but at other venues, it may well have blocked the audience’s view of the lone actor.
If there was one department that was a letdown, it was the sound design. The choice of music was a little off. Operatic tunes that ran through the entire play didn’t lend themselves to the play and were even a mild annoyance at times. The lack of sound effects like clicks of the tape recorder, rewinding and fast-forwarding of the tape added to the aural disappointment.
Do watch the repeat performance of this classic play, if not for anything you get a free banana, watch the play to know why
Rating: 4/5
Watch the play as performed by Patrick Macgee, whom Beckett had written it originally for.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGDjnnTvWUE
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Krapp’s Last Tape by Nishumbita Ballet and Theatre about?
The play follows Krapp, a lonely 69-year-old man, on his birthday as he listens to a tape recording from 30 years prior before making his final tape. Written by Samuel Beckett in 1958, it explores themes of memory, regret, and human isolation through minimalist storytelling.
Who directed Krapp’s Last Tape at Apollo Foundation Theatre?
Ram Mohan Hollagundi directed this production for Nishumbita Ballet and Theatre. His direction focuses on minimalist aesthetics with soft lighting to create an intimate atmosphere that draws the audience into Krapp’s solitary world.
How long is the Krapp’s Last Tape performance at Apollo Theatre?
The one-act play runs for slightly over an hour. This concise runtime maintains the play’s intensity and keeps the intimate audience engaged throughout the performance without unnecessary prolongation.
What did Madhav Raj Bhatt bring to the role of Krapp?
Bhatt, at just 25 years old, delivered a consummate performance as the elderly protagonist. His measured movements, gruff voice, hunched posture, and unsteady hands authentically captured the character’s cantankerous nature and physical decline.
Is Krapp’s Last Tape worth watching for Indian theatre enthusiasts?
Yes, this Nishumbita production is highly recommended for those seeking sophisticated, minimalist theatre. The intimate staging at Apollo Foundation Theatre offers a compelling exploration of Beckett’s masterpiece with strong performances and thoughtful direction, despite minor technical shortcomings.
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