Not I

Synopsis

Complete darkness with a single spotlight on Mouth

Samuel Beckett’s Not I is an intense and evocative monologue that thrusts the audience into the fragmented, rapid-fire recollections of a woman identified only as Mouth. Performed in complete darkness save for a spotlight on Mouth, the play’s format is strikingly minimalist, focusing solely on the disembodied voice of the protagonist. Mouth’s monologue, delivered at a breakneck pace, is a torrent of words and fragmented memories that capture her existential anguish and the profound sense of disconnection from herself and the world.

The narrative begins with Mouth recounting her birth, followed by a series of fragmented memories and episodes that hint at a life marked by trauma and isolation. Despite the chaotic and disjointed nature of her speech, recurring themes of abandonment, rejection, and identity emerge, offering glimpses into the profound psychological torment she endures. Accompanying Mouth is the Auditor, a silent figure who stands cloaked and illuminated intermittently, gesturing periodically to provide a semblance of presence and empathy.

The play’s structure and delivery are designed to evoke a visceral response, with Beckett’s precise language and intense delivery emphasising the inescapable nature of Mouth’s distress. The rapid monologue, coupled with the stark staging, creates a powerful sensory experience that underscores themes of existential despair and the struggle for meaning.