Beckett's Radio Plays: A New Italian Collection Explores Blindness and Silence
A new Italian edition of Samuel Beckett's radio plays, translated and curated by Gabriele Frasca, has been published by Einaudi as part of their 'libri bianchi' series. The collection includes six works: 'All That Fall' (1956), 'Embers' (1959), 'Cascando' (1961), 'Words and Music' (1962), 'Sketch for Radio Play' (1961), and 'Pochade radiophonique' (1961). These pieces, written during Beckett's most prolific decade, coincide with his major narrative and theatrical successes. Frasca also contributes a brief essay examining Beckett's relationship with radio, a medium that was then grappling with the rise of television. The edition fills a gap in Italian translations of Beckett's oeuvre, which previously included plays, novels (with Einaudi recently reissuing 'Molloy'), poetry, and a few other writings. The collection highlights how Beckett's radio dramas explore themes of blindness and silence, offering a unique auditory experience that challenges conventional narrative forms.
Key facts
- Einaudi published a new collection of Samuel Beckett's radio plays in Italian.
- Gabriele Frasca translated and curated the edition, also writing an introductory essay.
- The collection includes six radio plays: 'All That Fall' (1956), 'Embers' (1959), 'Cascando' (1961), 'Words and Music' (1962), 'Sketch for Radio Play' (1961), and 'Pochade radiophonique' (1961).
- These plays date from Beckett's most productive decade, alongside his major narrative and theatrical works.
- Einaudi also recently reprinted Beckett's novel 'Molloy'.
- The edition is part of Einaudi's 'libri bianchi' series.
- Frasca's essay explores Beckett's relationship with radio.
- The radio plays were written during a period when radio was adapting to competition from television.
Entities
Artists
- Samuel Beckett
- Gabriele Frasca
Institutions
- Einaudi