Waiting for Godot at Stratford is tedious and stark – but that’s the point
The Stratford Festival's production of Waiting for Godot presents a stark and tedious interpretation of Samuel Beckett's classic play. Directed by Molly Atkinson, the performance features strong chemistry between the leads, Paul Gross and Tom McCamus, as they embody the characters Vladimir and Estragon. While the production may not be enjoyable for all, it remains a faithful representation of Beckett's themes of waiting and existentialism.
- ▪The production runs until July 31 at the Festival Theatre in Stratford, Ontario.
- ▪Paul Gross and Tom McCamus star as the main characters, Vladimir and Estragon.
- ▪Director Molly Atkinson's staging is intentionally unfussy and stark, reflecting the play's themes of tedium.
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| Canonical URL | https://www.theglobeandmail.com/culture/stage/article-stratford-festival-2026-waiting-for-godot-review/ |
| Publication time | Wed, 03 Jun 2026 16:25:30 +0000 |
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Open this photo in gallery:Paul Gross as Vladimir in Stratford Festival's production of Waiting for Godot.David Hou/SuppliedShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountTitle: Waiting for GodotWritten by: Samuel BeckettPerformed by: Tom McCamus, Paul Gross, Jonathan Goad, David W. Keeley, Gordon Paul Miller, Asher Albert WaxmanDirector: Molly AtkinsonCompany: Stratford FestivalVenue: Festival TheatreCity: Stratford, Ont.Year: Runs until July 31Depending on whom you ask, Waiting for Godot is either a miracle of the written word or a mockery of it. To suggest Samuel Beckett’s tragicomedy is polarizing is to minimize the heft of its divisiveness: Those who love it do so with every fibre of their being. Those who hate it do the same.
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