4Learning will feature eight of Beckett’s plays for Secondary Schools English (GCSE, A-level, Scottish SG and HS). The transmission schedule will be: Endgame – Breath (28 September 2001), Krapp’s Last Tape – Act Without Words 1 (5 October 2001), Happy Days – Act Without Words 2 (12 October 2001) and Waiting for Godot – Not I (19 October 2001). Each production will be accompanied by freely accessible online teaching support materials.
The Channel 4 Beckett on Film website includes a brief critical introduction to the plays, a chronology of Beckett's life, suggestions for how you can find out more about Beckett and his work, and information about the origins of the project and the films' producers. There is also information about each film, including revealing interviews with many of the directors and actors along with stills and clips from the films. Visit: www.channel4.com/plus/beckett
A Channel 4 publication to accompany the series, ‘Beckett on Film’ by Aleks Sierz (£4.95), provides a valuable introduction to Beckett’s life, his relationship with theatre and the main themes of his work. Its behind-the-scenes studies of each of the 19 productions contain numerous illuminating comments from their directors, producers and actors.
The four programmes will be available on video, priced £19.99, from October 2001.
All Beckett learning resources can be purchased securely and safely from the 4Learning online shop at www.4learning.co.uk/shop/
