This production was in 1988 at the Mitzi Newhouse Theatre, directed by Mike Nichols, starring Steve Martin as Vladimir, Robin Williams as Estragon, F Murray Abraham as Pozzo and Bill Irwin as Lucky. This scene was cut a little because this is from a website where i found the documentary about Samuel Beckett, and i cut this specific scene of Robin and Steve. Unfortunately there is nothing else. But if you want to watch Steve exclusively talking about the process of the play, just watch the entire documentary, the link is here: mediaburn.org/video/waiting-for-beckett/ You can only watch the play in the library of NYC. But from what i've heard i think you need to ask for "permission" and you need a good “reason” to see the play. Please check out my Steve Martin birthday video, i want this video to reach Steve 🙏 Here is the link: ruclips.net/video/IO4rttV4x8k/видео.htmlsi=1PyGNYnWWFnpNHxL
@myfruitycake: When was this? Could you please be so kind to add it somewhere? I am lost. How come that people who upload videos on youtube very often don't tell these simple facts to the audience?
I saw this production during the final dress rehearsal. My boyfriend at the time knew the stage manager. She told us Steve Martin, Robin Williams, Bill Irwin and F. Murray Abraham worked tirelessly to the point of upsetting the stage union because they kept the crew longer than the union allowed.
I suspect they rarely got two roles together because their type is actually quite similar so probably most times they were competing for the same role.
Somehow Steve Martin and Robin Williams seem like a perfect pairing - there is something, some wild, daring and confident element balanced by self-effacing and vulnerable kindness and humanity. And they're both massively funny.
@@jessebeegee It's been decades since I saw this play performed, but it seems like Martin would be Vladimir, the intellect, and Williams, Estragon, the body. Although it would be fascinating to see them turn that assumption on its head. They both are such masters they could make it work either way.
This is amazing, just wonderful. I love this play. Have read it a few times, and seen it on stage a few times, Ian McKellen & Patrick Stewart's performances very much top of the list. Yet, how I wish I could have seen this. Historic.
I was very lucky to hear Bill Irwin talk about Beckett, as well as working with Robin, and being pummeled by him as Lucky. Imagine the full force of a Robin Williams coming down upon you! I wish I could have seen that live
I read Waiting for Gadot in college. When I read about this pairing in Time magazine, I wanted to see it so badly. Unfortunately, it was in NYC (or was it DC) and never broadcast on TV. Two geniuses of physical comedy in an epic comedic play!! I would love to see the entire play with them!!! I don’t think it was ever broadcast on TV. PITY!!! THANK YOU!!
@@caleblightner1357 considering this was on Broadway the epic part would be seeing Steve Martin and Robin Williams work together. If you've ever been on Broadway and seen some of these people work, it's pretty remarkable and stays with you.
The full video of this production is available (with restrictions, I believe) at the NYC public library, or so I have heard. I really wish it were posted on RUclips….
I confirm that the video of the play is in the library of NYC. But from what i've heard i think you need to ask for "permission" and you need a good “reason” to see the play. I would also love that if they put it on RUclips. Or at least they could make copies of the play to sell. I know a lot of Steve and Robin fans who really want to see it.
@@myfruitycake._ yes… I enjoy Waiting for Godot whether or not it’s “played for laughs,” but if it is, I seriously doubt anyone can or ever will top Williams and Martin. Shame it’s kept locked away.
this is incredible and something i would not have searched for myself, thank you thank you for sharing here. classic theatre history with top of the line actors? a dream. the shit. thank you
I remember hearing RW tell that he was classically trained and thought he would be a dramatic actor. Looking back, some of his best work is when he is mocking the classics…he had such a wealth of knowledge. Not many if any of todays comedians can quote Shakespeare. RW was an eloquent comedian with an unmatched stage presence. So sad.
I searched for this in vain back in 1997 or so - I was writing a college paper on Stoppard’s “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern…” and its influences, including “Godot,” so this performance showed up in my research. But I couldn’t find actual video of it.
I've never liked this play. But then, I've never seen it performed. It'd be fascinating to see this production back to back with the Ian McKellen Patrick Stewart one!
About 30 years ago I last sat through an entire performance of 'Godot'. I'm still trying to work out why I did. (I think I must be a masochist.) If anyone could inject some life into it, it would be these two.
But if that is ovetdone then you miss the point of the play. Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart did a production that was mostly done for the laughs, while lots of fun still missed the point.
@@strats991In short, the waiting symbolizes the human condition of searching for meaning and purpose in life, despite the uncertainty and absurdity of existence
Thanks for sharing this bit of treasure. Now ... WHERE'S THE REST?! 🥺 there has to be more, somewhere. 😓 sigh. really sad I may never see the rest. 🙁 just like them? Awwww. Neat. 😄 lol
You’re welcome, but unfortunately, i don't have the rest, the entire play is in a library in New York, where you can only see it in person. And from what i've heard you need a good reason to see the play.
It's truly surprising how everything Robin Williams does becomes my favourite and him as Estragon in one of the playes I adore is such a happy coincidence 😭 Petitiom to NYC library to release this. Take our money, give us this whole production please! Off all performances, this truly evoked the comic laughtet and the tragedy through those subtle gestures. God! It's awesome. No matter how much I write, will always fall short to express my feelings. ♥ NYC library please! 😭😭😭😭😭
Maybe it's some kind of wish-fulfillment false memory, but this must have been shown in its entirety on television at some point because I remember seeing it. It must have been on PBS, not long after it finished its New York run. To those who complain about comedians performing the roles, note that Beckett's original stage directions describe Didi and Gogo as "two clowns." The great comic Bert Lahr played Gogo in the first American production of the play. Beckett was a great fan of Laurel & Hardy, and I've always believed Stan and Ollie (who were still alive and performing when the play was written) would have been his dream cast. I sometimes imagine Jackie Gleason (Didi) and Art Carney (Gogo) would have been an excellent casting.
Yes, i read that they put it their own “stuff”. I'm an actor, i've already done this play, i was playing Vladimir. And you can do this play in several ways.
I saw a version many many years ago which was incredibly boring. Totally turned me off the play. But I'm sure I would've liked this one. This makes me want to give another version a chance in the future. Thanks for posting it.
First I’ve seen of this, the improv surprised me. I guess they wanted to make it their own. Would like to see the whole performance. Did they record any of the shows?
They were supposed to make a movie together called "Bird Cage." The director Mike Nichols (who is also directing the play "Waiting for Godot") wanted Steve and Robin in this movie because he thought they had a lot of chemistry with each other, it was about a gay couple, Steve would play the character Armand and Robin the character Albert but Steve ended up not wanting to and made the movie "Sgt. Bilko". In exchange for this, Robin ended up playing Armand and actor Nathan Lane ended up playing Albert.
Basically two characters, Vladimir (Didi) and Estragon (Gogo), engage in a variety of discussions and encounters while awaiting the titular Godot, who never arrives.
Martin and Williams are, of course, wildly entertaining, but ... am not sure Beckett had vaudevillian clowns in mind when he wrote this. In fact, I think not ...
Of course he did. Beckett loved Laurel and Hardy. Just look how the two men are dressed! They are L and H crossed with Chaplin's tramp. The hat swapping scene is straight out of vaudville!
@@davidlean1060 Yes, dressed in a somewhat shabby version of Laurel and Hardy. And the hat swapping is a bit. However, these two actors are playing it like clowns performing a vaudeville routine. Sorry, but it ain't Beckett.
@@elbinkograndeI take that point, fair enough. The play is meant to be funny however. The only version I have watched is the Abbey version and the Irish accents seem to get the balance between tragedy/comedy better than actors playing it simply for laughs. I get the sense that the two characters are witty in spite of the absurdity watching that version. The wit in the face of existential doom is a defiance. That comes across in the Abbey version. I actually find their version life affirming!
Well for you it doesn't exist but for some people in these comments it does (which is not my case), it's like everything in life. But i understand what you mean. From what i've read and i've already done this play, the fact of waiting for Godot could have something to do with religion and may have another meaning.
@@myfruitycake._ Yes. Samuel Beckett's play allows for multiple interpretations. All religions, scriptures and dogmas are man-made. All deities, gods and devils by whatever name are man-made. People are free to believe whatever they choose if it gets them through their lives, and everybody's beliefs deserve respect if not agreement. Peace.
Never been a big fan of Steve, he always overacts and kind of demands laughter, tries to force it out of you whereas with Robin it just comes naturally.
@@Cyba_IT It's okay, i'm a big fan of Steve and if there's one thing i know how to do, it's respect everyone's opinion. I'm not going to hold a gun to your head and tell you that you have to find this or that. It's your opinion and that's it.
This production was in 1988 at the Mitzi Newhouse Theatre, directed by Mike Nichols, starring Steve Martin as Vladimir, Robin Williams as Estragon, F Murray Abraham as Pozzo and Bill Irwin as Lucky.
This scene was cut a little because this is from a website where i found the documentary about Samuel Beckett, and i cut this specific scene of Robin and Steve.
Unfortunately there is nothing else.
But if you want to watch Steve exclusively talking about the process of the play, just watch the entire documentary, the link is here: mediaburn.org/video/waiting-for-beckett/
You can only watch the play in the library of NYC.
But from what i've heard i think you need to ask for "permission" and you need a good “reason” to see the play.
Please check out my Steve Martin birthday video, i want this video to reach Steve 🙏
Here is the link: ruclips.net/video/IO4rttV4x8k/видео.htmlsi=1PyGNYnWWFnpNHxL
Bet the whole thing is available to watch at the Lincoln Center Archive. They should just release everything.
@@andyscott5277 It is but unfortunately i don't have the video of the whole play, they could at least make copies of the play to sell.
@@myfruitycake._ oh yeah, I wouldn’t expect you to. Only available at the archive to view in person, unfortunately.
@@andyscott5277 Someone could create a petition to make the play available 😂
@myfruitycake: When was this? Could you please be so kind to add it somewhere?
I am lost. How come that people who upload videos on youtube very often don't tell these simple facts to the audience?
I saw this production during the final dress rehearsal. My boyfriend at the time knew the stage manager. She told us Steve Martin, Robin Williams, Bill Irwin and F. Murray Abraham worked tirelessly to the point of upsetting the stage union because they kept the crew longer than the union allowed.
The fact that Robin added the Twilight Zone theme to a classic Beckett play. ❤❤❤ You gotta love Robin.
In a parallel universe, they played the most hilarious Sherlock Holmes & Watson.
Never imagined them working together, this is history !!! 😂
You can add F Murray Abraham to this production too
Calm down queef
This is shite. Shameful. If you don’t trust the text, find another way to justify your public circle jerk.
I suspect they rarely got two roles together because their type is actually quite similar so probably most times they were competing for the same role.
Somehow Steve Martin and Robin Williams seem like a perfect pairing - there is something, some wild, daring and confident element balanced by self-effacing and vulnerable kindness and humanity. And they're both massively funny.
which is which?
@@jessebeegee It's been decades since I saw this play performed, but it seems like Martin would be Vladimir, the intellect, and Williams, Estragon, the body. Although it would be fascinating to see them turn that assumption on its head. They both are such masters they could make it work either way.
"Critic" being the ultimate insult! Offense taken! love it!
Thanks for making this available! I saw this show and was able to get both their autographs. One of my favorite live performances
You’re welcome gentlemen, i’m glad i could make this available for you.
ONE of your favourites? What might top this??
Still have the autographs?
I would pay GOOD money to see the whole performance!!
Send me you Venmo info. I'll tell you where to send the money.
RIGHT??!!!!
Exactly. I wish there was a whole recording of this.
@@GiacomoJimmi It is, but its only available in the library of NYC
This is amazing, just wonderful. I love this play. Have read it a few times, and seen it on stage a few times, Ian McKellen & Patrick Stewart's performances very much top of the list. Yet, how I wish I could have seen this. Historic.
I was very lucky to hear Bill Irwin talk about Beckett, as well as working with Robin, and being pummeled by him as Lucky. Imagine the full force of a Robin Williams coming down upon you! I wish I could have seen that live
I read Waiting for Gadot in college. When I read about this pairing in Time magazine, I wanted to see it so badly. Unfortunately, it was in NYC (or was it DC) and never broadcast on TV. Two geniuses of physical comedy in an epic comedic play!! I would love to see the entire play with them!!! I don’t think it was ever broadcast on TV. PITY!!!
THANK YOU!!
Not sure it’s an epic play, definitely absurdist but correct me if I’m wrong
@@caleblightner1357 considering this was on Broadway the epic part would be seeing Steve Martin and Robin Williams work together. If you've ever been on Broadway and seen some of these people work, it's pretty remarkable and stays with you.
1:38 if Steve isn't on wires, Robin's got some fantastic upper body and core strength to make that look so smooth.
I had no idea that they had ever worked together. This is awesome!
The full video of this production is available (with restrictions, I believe) at the NYC public library, or so I have heard. I really wish it were posted on RUclips….
I confirm that the video of the play is in the library of NYC.
But from what i've heard i think you need to ask for "permission" and you need a good “reason” to see the play.
I would also love that if they put it on RUclips.
Or at least they could make copies of the play to sell.
I know a lot of Steve and Robin fans who really want to see it.
@@myfruitycake._ yes… I enjoy Waiting for Godot whether or not it’s “played for laughs,” but if it is, I seriously doubt anyone can or ever will top Williams and Martin. Shame it’s kept locked away.
@@myfruitycake._ You need a good reason to see the play?! It's not a Freemason ritual, or a family at a deathbed.
The irony of needing a good reason to see Waiting For Godot 🤣@@myfruitycake._
@@agalgonzalez And it's Robin Williams and Steve Martin doing Waiting for Godot! That's reason enough!
this is incredible and something i would not have searched for myself, thank you thank you for sharing here. classic theatre history with top of the line actors? a dream. the shit. thank you
Thank you very much, i'm very glad you liked it.
What I wouldn’t give to travel back in time to see this live.
Masters at work. Wish I could have seen this.
both camera actors that 10000% have chops / faces for the stage.
I remember hearing RW tell that he was classically trained and thought he would be a dramatic actor. Looking back, some of his best work is when he is mocking the classics…he had such a wealth of knowledge. Not many if any of todays comedians can quote Shakespeare. RW was an eloquent comedian with an unmatched stage presence. So sad.
I searched for this in vain back in 1997 or so - I was writing a college paper on Stoppard’s “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern…” and its influences, including “Godot,” so this performance showed up in my research. But I couldn’t find actual video of it.
If only they had done a good movie together. Movies are immortal.
This just proves that Steve Martin is immortal.
I've never liked this play. But then, I've never seen it performed. It'd be fascinating to see this production back to back with the Ian McKellen Patrick Stewart one!
About 30 years ago I last sat through an entire performance of 'Godot'.
I'm still trying to work out why I did.
(I think I must be a masochist.)
If anyone could inject some life into it, it would be these two.
But if that is ovetdone then you miss the point of the play.
Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart did a production that was mostly done for the laughs, while lots of fun still missed the point.
@@dondesmond7969 What is the point, then?
@@strats991Don’t worry- it’s not for everyone.
@@strats991 See, you worked it out by yourself.
@@strats991In short, the waiting symbolizes the human condition of searching for meaning and purpose in life, despite the uncertainty and absurdity of existence
RIP Robin but it isn't too late for Steve and Martin Short to revive this production, and FILM IT PROPERLY FOR STREAMING and DVD release.
How did I not know about this?!!!! MORE PLEASE!!!
I would love to post more, but it's the only thing i have, unfortunately there is nothing else, i’m sorry.
remember seeing a review of this in Time or Newsweek and how I wish I could've seen this..I'd love to see the whole play
Thanks for sharing this bit of treasure. Now ...
WHERE'S THE REST?! 🥺 there has to be more, somewhere. 😓 sigh.
really sad I may never see the rest. 🙁 just like them? Awwww. Neat. 😄 lol
You’re welcome, but unfortunately, i don't have the rest, the entire play is in a library in New York, where you can only see it in person.
And from what i've heard you need a good reason to see the play.
@@myfruitycake._ figures. 🙁
let’s hope it finds it’s way online someday. The pairing of those two was inspired. 😄
thanks again. 💟☮
As an English major, you could never pay me money to read this play. But, I would gladly pay to see these two act it out, all day, every day.
YES, SAME.
No one gets the play, but Waiting for Godot is character humor at it's best.
Thank you so much for posting this. This is wonderful
You’re welcome ❤️
Anyone else reminded of Hook with the exchange of insults?
It's truly surprising how everything Robin Williams does becomes my favourite and him as Estragon in one of the playes I adore is such a happy coincidence 😭
Petitiom to NYC library to release this. Take our money, give us this whole production please! Off all performances, this truly evoked the comic laughtet and the tragedy through those subtle gestures. God! It's awesome. No matter how much I write, will always fall short to express my feelings. ♥
NYC library please! 😭😭😭😭😭
I would love that, but i don't think they would ever want to let this play go to the public because of copyright.
This is so cool! Thanks for sharing this 😊
In another life they could have been a fantastic double act!
My favourite comedians.😃
Mine too.
I read this in college and it was brutal. I would have much preferred this!
Maybe it's some kind of wish-fulfillment false memory, but this must have been shown in its entirety on television at some point because I remember seeing it. It must have been on PBS, not long after it finished its New York run.
To those who complain about comedians performing the roles, note that Beckett's original stage directions describe Didi and Gogo as "two clowns." The great comic Bert Lahr played Gogo in the first American production of the play. Beckett was a great fan of Laurel & Hardy, and I've always believed Stan and Ollie (who were still alive and performing when the play was written) would have been his dream cast. I sometimes imagine Jackie Gleason (Didi) and Art Carney (Gogo) would have been an excellent casting.
Wow! Wow! WOW!!!
I saw this play many years ago, and it was nothing like this. They put their own spin on it.
Yes, i read that they put it their own “stuff”.
I'm an actor, i've already done this play, i was playing Vladimir.
And you can do this play in several ways.
Unity developers while waiting for Godot
STEVE MARTIN HIVE RISE UP!! Like if you’re a true Stever.
I would love to see the whole play with those two!
Pure gold
I always thought the dialog of Waiting for Godot was just bizarre. Now when I watch Williams and Martin act it out, it totally makes sense.
Wtf I'm so excited to watch this.... This combination, these guys and this material, seems so unlikely!
Beautiful
THIS IS SOOOO AWESOME YAYAYAYAYAYAYY
It must've been a wonderful performance.
Imagine making Beckett funny!
It’s amazing to me that in america it is considered a comedic play
Young Steve Martin with a grey beard 😎
How can I see the whole production. I love the play and want to see these two greats in it.
Only in the library of NYC.
Robin Williams was a clown. Blob rest his soul.
A clown Prince
Did they ever filmed this jewel in its entirety?
What?!! Where is the rest of it?? Amazing!!
Hey there, its only available in the library of NYC.
I saw a version many many years ago which was incredibly boring. Totally turned me off the play. But I'm sure I would've liked this one. This makes me want to give another version a chance in the future. Thanks for posting it.
I wonder if there's full video of this anywhere. I'm searching for it for years
Wait. They DID THIS AND I AM JUST LEARNING ABOUT IT?????????
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
First I’ve seen of this, the improv surprised me. I guess they wanted to make it their own. Would like to see the whole performance. Did they record any of the shows?
They did but its only available in the library of NYC.
hope we get to see more clips
I don't have the play with me, although I would love to have more clips of the play and show it, but the play can only be seen at the library in NYC
Is the whole thing available anywhere?
Samuel becket masterpiece
It looks good but my god the audience are sure over the top!
Where can I see all of this?
Only in the library of NYC.
Where can I find the WHOLE THING? Anybody?
The WHOLE THING is only available at a library in NYC.
Ah, Beckett…
A play about doing nothing when your bored 🙂
call me old fashioned but I prefer this original Godot to that new one that sings Imagine.
When Time reported on the production, they said that the whole thing was filmed for a PBS broadcast… that never happened. Alas.
I wonder what a Steve Martin and Robin Williams movie would've looked like... 🤔
They were supposed to make a movie together called "Bird Cage."
The director Mike Nichols (who is also directing the play "Waiting for Godot") wanted Steve and Robin in this movie because he thought they had a lot of chemistry with each other, it was about a gay couple, Steve would play the character Armand and Robin the character Albert but Steve ended up not wanting to and made the movie "Sgt. Bilko".
In exchange for this, Robin ended up playing Armand and actor Nathan Lane ended up playing Albert.
They don’t get it.
No need for 'critic'. That's low.
Screw the NY city library
YUP, SCREW THEM, WE WANT THE GODMAN PLAY OUT!!!!!
Can someone give a synapsis of the play?
Basically two characters, Vladimir (Didi) and Estragon (Gogo), engage in a variety of discussions and encounters while awaiting the titular Godot, who never arrives.
Pure ham
…Guess which Game Engine they’ll use for the PC/Console Game based on this movie ;)
0:54 Walking Dead theme music
the Twilight Zone 😁
the twilight zone theme music
I think that it is not a comic piece , or ?
No way! Are you serious?
i couldn't hear them over the sound of all the cocaine they snorted before going on stage. holy shit lol
WOW SERIOUSLY, were you there?
Did you see them doing cocaine before going on stage?
Theater audiences are intolerable
Spoiler ...
Godot never comes 😅
Hate the show (super abstract is absolutely not for me), love the design and actors
Martin and Williams are, of course, wildly entertaining, but ... am not sure Beckett had vaudevillian clowns in mind when he wrote this. In fact, I think not ...
Of course he did. Beckett loved Laurel and Hardy. Just look how the two men are dressed! They are L and H crossed with Chaplin's tramp. The hat swapping scene is straight out of vaudville!
@@davidlean1060 Yes, dressed in a somewhat shabby version of Laurel and Hardy. And the hat swapping is a bit. However, these two actors are playing it like clowns performing a vaudeville routine. Sorry, but it ain't Beckett.
@@elbinkograndeI take that point, fair enough. The play is meant to be funny however. The only version I have watched is the Abbey version and the Irish accents seem to get the balance between tragedy/comedy better than actors playing it simply for laughs. I get the sense that the two characters are witty in spite of the absurdity watching that version. The wit in the face of existential doom is a defiance. That comes across in the Abbey version. I actually find their version life affirming!
but it's just random shit happening
These hipster nerds are doing Samuel Beckett?
"Waiting for Godot" is a euphemism for "Waiting for God", and God never shows up no matter how long one waits. Why? Because God does not exist.
Well for you it doesn't exist but for some people in these comments it does (which is not my case), it's like everything in life.
But i understand what you mean.
From what i've read and i've already done this play, the fact of waiting for Godot could have something to do with religion and may have another meaning.
@@myfruitycake._ Yes. Samuel Beckett's play allows for multiple interpretations. All religions, scriptures and dogmas are man-made. All deities, gods and devils by whatever name are man-made.
People are free to believe whatever they choose if it gets them through their lives, and everybody's beliefs deserve respect if not agreement. Peace.
no shit, Sherlock
Tarded. Ofc he does.
😂
What!?
Never been a big fan of Steve, he always overacts and kind of demands laughter, tries to force it out of you whereas with Robin it just comes naturally.
Valid, that's your opinion and your perspective gentleman and i obviously respect it.
@@myfruitycake._ Thank you good sir and don't get me wrong, Steve is still a million times more talented than I'll ever be
@@Cyba_IT It's okay, i'm a big fan of Steve and if there's one thing i know how to do, it's respect everyone's opinion.
I'm not going to hold a gun to your head and tell you that you have to find this or that.
It's your opinion and that's it.
whats with these sitcom fake laughters?
I dont think its sitcom fake laughters.
A travesty of Beckett
I love both actors, but not even they can make this play interesting.
Didn’t work for me. But this play never does.
Two mediicre actors
This is poor. Fawing crowd. Give me Sir Ian McKellen.
Wow. Pretty terrible.
Was this supposed to be funny?