Happy Days

Happy Days is a play in two acts, written in English, by Irish playwright Samuel Beckett (1906–1989).

The original text

The play was completed on 14 May 1961. The first production was at the Cherry Lane Theatre, New York on 17 September 1961, directed by Alan Schneider with Ruth White as Winnie (for which she won an Obie) and John C. Becher as Willie. The first London production was at the Royal Court Theatre on 1 November 1962 directed by George Devine and Tony Richardson with Brenda Bruce as Winnie and Peter Duguid as Willie.

It was first published by Grove Press in 1961 followed by Faber in 1962.

Performance history in South Africa

1967: Presented by the Phoenix Players at Dorkay House, directed by Barney Simon, starring Wilma Stockenström as "Winnie" and David Bennett as "Willy".

198*: Presented by University of Stellenbosch Drama Department in the Keller Theatre in August 198*, directed by Zoettje Hofmeyr starring Zelda Truter and Roland Visser.

1993-1994: Wilma Stockenström starred in a production of the play, probably directed by Barney Simon for the Market Theatre, c. 1993.

Sources

Wikipedia [1].

Theatre pamphlet

Review by Raeford Daniel published in Rand Daily Mail, 23 August 1967, page 8.

Photographic contact sheets held by NELM (1993 production): [Collection: SIMON, Barney]: 1995. 11. 13. 5. 12.

Correspondence re: obtaining performing rights held by NELM (1993-4 production): [Collection: MARKET THEATRE]: 2007. 10. 9. 38.

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