Not Beckett UK Book Launch – Followed by a discussion, chaired by Professor Matthew McFrederick.

Join us on Friday 12 September at 8pm to celebrate the launch of Not Beckett, The plays, an anthology of five new short plays in response to the work of Samuel Beckett. By five female or non-binary writers of diversified Irish heritage each play offers a thoughtful perspective on themes that will resonate with both Beckett aficionados and newcomers alike.

The evening will include a play reading of a story by Hannah Khalil (Read By Actress Veronica Quilligan); plus a panel discussion with some of the writers,Hannah Khalil and Jennifer Barclay and Producer Alison Holder. The discussion will be chaired by the book’s editor Professor Matthew McFrederick, followed by an opportunity to purchase the anthology at a specially discounted rate. Tickets are £10.00

What does Irish heritage mean to members of the modern-day diaspora? Global playwrights Olwen Fouéré, Jennifer Barclay, FELISPEAKS, Nicola McCartney and Hannah Khalil make their mark with five unique pieces loosely inspired by seeds from the Beckett canon.

Originally staged for the international Not Beckett festival 2024-25, a festival created by writers Hannah Khalil and Jennifer Barclay and Producer Alison Holder to expand on the idea of what Irishness looks and sounds like. The plays premiered in October 2024 at London’s Jermyn Street Theatre, and went on to be staged internationally with partners on the project: The Samuel Beckett Research Centre in Reading, the Irish Repertory Theatre in New York, Fishamble in Dublin in collaboration with the Lir Academy, Villanova University in Philadelphia, PA, and Corrib Theater in Oregon.

Each short play provides an ideal vehicle for students and readers to further explore the artistic influence of Samuel Beckett’s work through a modern-day, multicultural lens. The collection is introduced by Dr Matthew McFrederick, Co-Director of the Beckett International Foundation at the University of Reading, who considers the plays in the anthology and their impact. duet by Olwen Fouéré Never Apologize by Jennifer Barclay WAIT; by FELISPEAKSI CAN’T REMEMBER THE by Nicola McCartneyThe Lighthouse Keeper’s Son by Hannah Khalil