full Court press
Endgame Director Christopher Bayes sounds off on Life, Beckett and Classics.

What is the the most important quality you look for in selecting a play? Playfulness and the possibility of poetry and tragedy.

What do you admire most about Samuel Beckett? The fact that he got boils because of his despair and anxiety.

If you couldn't work in theatre, what job would you choose? Leader of a Jug Band.

Which figure in Endgame do you most identify with? And why? Clov. He planted some seeds and hopes for rain.

What is your current state of mind? Generally: Muddled, addled and conflicted. At the moment...hopeful and excited about the arrival of our second son, Cosmo.

Who are your favorite writers? Moliere, Beckett and Carlo Gozzi.

What is your motto? “Bring on the ruckus!”

What is a “classic”? Something that transcends the time in which it was written to illuminate something that continues to be a mystery.

What turns you on creatively, spiritually, emotionally? Ferocity and innocence. The stillness and suspension before the attack.

What turns you off? Jaded sarcasm.

When or where were you the happiest? After my son Eli was born... in New York. My wife Annie and I wrote so many crazy songs while we perambulated that baby around.

What quality do you most prize in other artists? Pleasure in the act of creation, patience, delicate and ferocious subtlety and generosity.

If you could ask Samuel Beckett one question, what would it be? “What the hell?”

What is the best advice you've ever gotten? Make a mess.

What is the worst advice you've ever gotten? Sit still.