— an English language
masterpiece
by Nobel Laureate
Harold Pinter
masterpiece
by Nobel Laureate
Harold Pinter
“The Dumb Waiter“ is a one-act play by Harold Pinter, first performed in 1959. The play inspired Quentin Tarantino’s PULP FICTION and Martin McDonagh's IN BRUGES. John Travolta and Jim Morrison have played the roles of Ben and Gus.
The narrative centres around two hitmen, who find themselves in a stark basement room waiting for instructions from a sinister machine—a dumbwaiter.
“The Dumb Waiter" is a “comedy of menace“ that explores the tensions between two hired assassins, who work for a mysterious boss.
“The Dumb Waiter" is a “comedy of menace“ that explores the tensions between two hired assassins, who work for a mysterious boss.
Ben and Gus, are waiting in a basement room for their victim. As the play begins, Ben, the senior partner, is reading a newspaper, and Gus, is tying his shoe laces. Gus asks Ben many irritating questions as he prepares for the job and tries to make tea. They argue over the semantics of "light the kettle" and "put on the kettle". Ben gets increasingly animated as Gus's questions become more nonsensical and provocative.
The term 'dumbwaiter' was coined because kitchen lifts were found in the basement where the waiters were silent and unseen.
“If you’re not confused it’s because you don’t really know what’s going on.”
The term 'dumbwaiter' was coined because kitchen lifts were found in the basement where the waiters were silent and unseen.
“If you’re not confused it’s because you don’t really know what’s going on.”
Director: Martin Cooke
Running time: 1 hour plus talkback
Running time: 1 hour plus talkback
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