waiting for godot at guthrie theater in minneapolis, minnesota, through october 11, 2026

Featured image by Dan Norman: David Strathairn (Vladimir)

by SAMUEL BECKETT
directed by JOSEPH HAJ

Wurtele Thrust Stage
scenic design by Marion Williams
costume design by Trevor Bowen
lighting design by Christopher Akerlind

Guthrie Theater’s 2026-2027 season starts off strong with Waiting for Godot.
If you are like me and unfamiliar with this play, you will be surprised how a minimalist show can become so stunning and evocative.

Waiting for Godot sparks deep feelings about what it means to be human and move on after destruction. And at the same time, manages to be very funny and lighthearted. It’s a story of being in the middle of everyday life during the hardest of times and how we need each other and hope.

Waiting for Godot at Guthrie Theater

“Nothing to be done” – Estragon (Jimmy Kieffer)

Who is Godot? And why wait? You may or may not ever find out, but in my opinion, the waiting is where you find the meaning of life.

Waiting for Godot first premiered in 1953, after the chaos of World War II, breaking classic play style. When asked, writer Samuel Beckett never answered questions about the play’s meaning. He would only say that he said everything he needed to say in the play text. Which opens the door to thought-provoking conversations about the human condition. It’s one of the amazing things about the play. Everyone’s interpretation will be slightly different.

Two men, Estragon (Jimmy Kieffer) and Vladimir (David Strathairn), meet by a stark tree seemingly in the middle of nowhere at dusk every night in hopes of meeting the elusive Godot. This starts an endless nightly cycle of should-we-stay or should-we-go discussion, jokes, love, hate, dread, sadness, silliness, and friendship.

“Let’s go.” “We can’t.” “Why not?” “We’re waiting for Godot.”

One thing is for sure. Through it all.

Life continues…when we have hope.

The acting is incredible and it was amazing to see David Strathairn on the Guthrie Theater stage. I have to mention Jim Lichtscheidl (Lucky). Wow. The famous rambling monologue in the scene with Will Sturdivant (Pozzo), a mean landowner, showing Estragon and Vladimir what his slave, Lucky, can do is epic.

TICKETS: www.guthrietheater.org

Stop at Farmer’s Kitchen + Bar before or after the show for a special Waiting for Godot drink! Cheers!

©tracy blowers