Without a doubt, I see where you’re coming from — a major player’s voice is missing from this post. But I do think that Carter Jahncke was a more knowledgeable source in this regard, simply by virtue of having been an integral part of both productions, and so I let him speak on behalf of Richard Henrich in a deliberate effort to avoid cluttering the reporting. There are many ins-and-outs of this situation that I omitted — for example, the fact that the literary agency that handles Beckett’s estate did approve all the domestic productions in question (they have yet to confirm this in regards to the ones abroad, though it seems likely they were legitimate too.) Rather than bring the false allegations up in the first place I just left them out. I could’ve tried to recount each phone call back in forth in 2004, or each qualm one party had with the other at some point in their relationship, or the halcyon days when all was poppies and roses; instead I chose to present the crux of the controversy without giving too much attention to allegations that very well may be unfounded. Whether or not you find it appropriate, it was a deliberate exercise in editorial restraint.

And I too thought the show was superb.

Thanks for writing in, and I hope a these folks find a swift and painless resolution.

-brian

Not to “bludgeon” you for your own “blatantly ignoring … theretofore sacred [journalistic] convention” of balanced coverage … Bu-u-ut did I miss your seeking/including comments from Richard [note name] Henrich, either in direct interview (as you did with the other two protagonists), or from Henrich’s cogent press release responding same-day to McNamara’s, or from the program you received at this show?

Contrary to McN’s libelous allegations, Spooky Action’s production program clearly credits the 1974 Mabou Mines production (which originated the mini-figure device used here), and the subsequent Scena production — which also utilized it. Or should I say which Scena “pirated” [McN's word], since McN claims it as his property?

Spooky Action’s program also cites authorization from Beckett estate, which McN alleges was not obtained. Ironically, McN’s false allegations have brought to light lack of evidence that Scena actually acquired such authorization. [Can you say "boomerang," kiddies?]

McN’s bluster of exploring legal or other recourse is laughable. Surely even he recognizes that his admitted deliberate ignorance of whether his charges have any basis would not excuse his unethical and legally libelous claims.

McN’s inaccurate tirades have effectively exposed only his own shortcomings — and brought precious free publicity to this superb Jahncke / Henrich production.

Let the games continue! Wahoo!