{"id":371636,"date":"2026-08-14T20:34:15","date_gmt":"2026-08-14T20:34:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/371636\/"},"modified":"2026-08-14T20:34:15","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T20:34:15","slug":"laboratory-theater-of-florida-opens-season-18-with-samuel-becketts-waiting-for-godot-wgcu-news","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/371636\/","title":{"rendered":"Laboratory Theater of Florida opens season 18 with Samuel Beckett’s ‘Waiting for Godot’ | WGCU News"},"content":{"rendered":"

In 2024, Annette Trossbach retired as the Laboratory Theater of Florida\u2019s first and only Artistic Director. She was succeeded by Todd Lyman, but he soon departed for health reasons. So, co-founder Nykkie Rizley filled the void with Waner Del Rosario stepping in as Board President.<\/p>\n

And the Southwest Florida theater community held its breath, waiting to see if The Lab would survive intact or have to compromise its reputation to fill seats and attract donors and sponsors.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur foundational mission is unwavering \u2014 to build our community by creating a theatrical experience that unites people from all walks of life,\u201d Rizley emphasized. \u201cWe’re a space dedicated to presenting the human experience in all of its rich diversity. And we plan on continuing those core values.\u201d<\/p>\n

We really do like to entertain, yes, but we want to make sure that you’re thinking about what you see onstage,\u201d Del Rosario added. \u201cIt will start that conversation with your neighbors, with your friends. It’ll make you laugh, make you cry, make you think about the arts and how that impacts our community yesterday, today, and tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n

And so, says Del Rosario, The Lab\u2019s focus is on classical pieces of theater along with giving voice to provocative new plays and musicals.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe are intentionally picking our plays to be thought-provoking,\u201d he said. \u201cWe love good, funny shows, but we want to make sure that there’s a message behind every show as well.\u201d<\/p>\n

The theater\u2019s 2026-2027 season opener is, fittingly, \u201cWaiting for Godot.\u201d<\/p>\n

Few plays have permeated popular culture as deeply. Its title alone has become shorthand for endless waiting and futile expectation.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe want to be a place where we could do risky theater that other places weren’t doing,\u201d Rizley said.<\/p>\n

Waiting for Godot\u201d is onstage Aug. 20 through Sept. 6.<\/p>\n

\"Laboratory<\/p>\n

Courtesy of The Laboratory Theater of Florida<\/p>\n

\/<\/p>\n

Laboratory Theater of Florida press release <\/p>\n

The Laboratory Theater of Florida is entering its 18th season in downtown Fort Myers. <\/p>\n

MORE INFORMATION:<\/p>\n

A foundational masterpiece of the Theatre of the Absurd, \u201cWaiting for Godot\u201d is a profound, darkly comic, and hauntingly beautiful exploration of the human condition, hope, and the persistent search for meaning in an uncertain world. \u201cWaiting for Godot\u201d remains a timeless cultural touchstone because it captures fundamental human experiences.<\/p>\n

\"Laboratory<\/p>\n

Courtesy of The Laboratory Theater of Florida<\/p>\n

\/<\/p>\n

Laboratory Theater of Florida press release <\/p>\n

Laboratory Theater of Florida graphic for Samuel Beckett’s ‘Waiting for Godot.’ <\/p>\n

Synopsis<\/p>\n

On a barren road beside a single, withering tree, two men wait for a mysterious figure who never arrives. Vladimir and Estragon stand on a desolate country road, passing the time with philosophical arguments, comedic wordplay, and mundane distractions as they wait for the enigmatic Mr. Godot. Their vigil is interrupted only by the arrival of the domineering Pozzo and his burdened servant, Lucky, whose presence highlights the strange dynamics of power and dependency.<\/p>\n

\u201cAt times a hilarious slapstick comedy, other times a reminder that life doesn\u2019t make sense and sometimes neither does art, \u2018Waiting for Godot\u2019 is a timeless classic about how to kill time without running out of it,\u201d said Director Madelaine Weymouth.<\/p>\n

\"Laboratory<\/p>\n

Courtesy of The Laboratory Theater of Florida<\/p>\n

\/<\/p>\n

Laboratory Theater of Florida press release <\/p>\n

On a barren road beside a single, withering tree, two men wait for a mysterious figure who never arrives. <\/p>\n

Historical significance<\/p>\n

\u201cWaiting for Godot\u201d is Samuel Beckett\u2019s most famous work. It is characterized by an absence of plot. Instead of a linear narrative, the play offers a cyclical, dreamlike experience where “nothing happens, twice.\u201d<\/p>\n

Through Vladimir and Estragon\u2019s repetitive, cyclical dialogue, Beckett explored what it means to endure when nothing ever changes. The play\u2019s barren landscape, its sense of suspended time, and its alternating moments of slapstick and silence all reinforce the absurdity of human life.<\/p>\n

The mysterious figure of Godot\u2014who never appears\u2014embodies the elusive hope or meaning that humans endlessly seek. Beckett refused to confirm whether Godot symbolized God, salvation, or simply life\u2019s unanswered questions, insisting that \u201cif I knew, I would have said so.\u201d That ambiguity has become the heart of its power, allowing audiences to find their own reflections within its emptiness.<\/p>\n

\"On<\/p>\n

Courtesy of The Laboratory Theater of Florida<\/p>\n

\/<\/p>\n

Laboratory Theater of Florida press release<\/p>\n

On a barren road beside a single, withering tree, two men wait for a mysterious figure who never arrives. <\/p>\n

Pop culture references<\/p>\n

\u201cWaiting for Godot\u201d is now part of American pop culture. References can be found in cartoons and children\u2019s show such as \u201cThe Simpsons\u201d and \u201cSesame Street,\u201d as well as in television sitcoms such as \u201cSeinfeld\u201d and \u201cThe Big Bang Theory.\u201d It is also mentioned in Tom Stoppard\u2019s comedy \u201cRosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead.\u201d<\/p>\n

The play has also attracted a number of well-known actors, including Burgess Meredith and Zero Mostel (who performed in the 1956 Broadway production), Robin Williams, Steve Martin, Nathan Lane, Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart (in the 2009 Broadway revival) and Keanu Reeves and Alex Winter (in the 2025 Broadway revival). Each has brought a new layer of humanity and humor to Beckett\u2019s timeless text. The play\u2019s sparse setting and demanding dialogue make it both an actor\u2019s challenge and a showcase for extraordinary performances.<\/p>\n

Continuing vitality<\/p>\n

\u201cGodot\u201d remains remarkably relevant given the uncertainty, isolation, and constant anticipation that characterizes today\u2019s social and political landscape. The play offers few answers, but it does spark thought and conversation, which accords well with the mission espoused by Lab Theatre Artistic Director Nykkie Rizley and Board President Waner Del Rosario.<\/p>\n

\"Madelaine<\/p>\n

WGCU Arts Reporter Tom Hall <\/p>\n

\/<\/p>\n

WGCU Arts Reporter Tom Hall <\/p>\n

Madelaine Weymouth directs ‘Waiting for Godot.’<\/p>\n

Cast
Vladimir:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Daniel Sabiston
Estragon:\u00a0\u00a0 TJ Albertson
Pozzo:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Art Keen
Lucky:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Chris Noonan<\/p>\n

\"Daniel<\/p>\n

WGCU Arts Reporter Tom Hall <\/p>\n

\/<\/p>\n

WGCU Arts Reporter Tom Hall <\/p>\n

Daniel Sabiston, pictured here in ‘The Birds,’ stars as Vladimir in ‘Waiting for Godot.’ <\/p>\n

Tickets<\/p>\n

Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students.
Tickets may be purchased at www.laboratorytheaterflorida.com or by calling the box office at 239.291.2905.<\/p>\n

Performance dates:<\/p>\n

2 p.m. matinees are Aug. 23, 29 and 30 and Sept. 6
7:30 p.m. evening shows are Aug. 21, 22, 27 and 28 and Sept. 3, 4 & 5.
There is a half-price preview at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 20.<\/p>\n

\"Lab<\/p>\n

Courtesy of The Laboratory Theater of Florida<\/p>\n

\/<\/p>\n

Lab Theater website<\/p>\n

Lab Theater Board President Waner Del Rosario <\/p>\n

About Waner Del Rosario, president<\/p>\n

A professional with experience spanning the arts, technology, and aviation sectors, Waner Del Rosario brings to the Laboratory Theater board a unique blend of creative vision, technical expertise, and a passion for community engagement. He has demonstrated an ability to excel in diverse environments, from captivating audiences onstage in theatrical productions such as Lynn Nottage\u2019s \u201cClyde\u2019s\u201d Rafael), \u201cNoises Off\u201d (Garry\/Roger) and \u201cClue on Stage” (Mr. Green) to leading and managing IT solutions as the founder of Dreniam Technology Solutions and Technology Education Leader at Lee Health.<\/p>\n

His commitment to education and community is further evidenced by his role as a public speaking instructor at \u201cCamp HSR!\u201d, a homeschool day camp.<\/p>\n

Serving on the board for The Laboratory Theater, Waner hopes to leverage his diverse skillset to increase access to the arts community, creating platforms for underrepresented voices and fostering a more inclusive artistic landscape.<\/p>\n

\"Lab<\/p>\n

Courtesy of The Laboratory Theater of Florida<\/p>\n

\/<\/p>\n

Lab Theater website <\/p>\n

Lab Theater Artistic Director and Board Vice President Nykkie Rizley.<\/p>\n

About Artistic Director and Vice-President Nykkie Rizley<\/p>\n

Nykkie Rizley is a founding member, vice president and director of The Laboratory Theater of Florida. Her directing credits include \u201cKiller Joe,\u201d \u201cHand to God,\u201d \u201cVeronica\u2019s Room,\u201d Lab\u2019s Shakespearean classic \u201cTwelfth Night,\u201d \u201cThe House of Yes,\u201d \u201cOne Flew over the Cuckoo\u2019s Nest\u201d and \u201cBUG.\u201d In addition to judging 24-hour playwriting projects for the Lab, Nykkie teaches theater classes at Lab Theater (including Acting I and II as well as Acting for Seniors). Nykkie has a degree in Theater Prop Design from Grand Valley State University in Michigan (she\u2019s a Laker) and trained in both Chicago and New York.<\/p>\n

Her \u201cday job\u201d is serving as director of operations at Royal Shell Vacations and president of FAVR.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

WGCU Arts Reporter Tom Hall <\/p>\n

\/<\/p>\n

WGCU Arts Reporter Tom Hall <\/p>\n

The Laboratory Theater of Florida occupies a 100-year-old building on Woodford Avenue in Fort Myers. <\/p>\n

About The Laboratory Theater of Florida<\/p>\n

The Laboratory Theater of Florida is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. The theater is dedicated to the promotion of the performing arts through live performance, education, community outreach, experimentation, and the development of ensemble work. The company features ensemble productions, produces classic works, takes artistic risks which both feature and challenge local performers. The physical location is at 1634 Woodford Ave., in the Fort Myers River District.<\/p>\n

For more information visit www.LaboratoryTheaterFlorida.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u2018Waiting for Godot\u2019 production history.<\/p>\n

Samuel Beckett began writing \u201cEn attendant Godot\u201d in post-war 1948 France.<\/p>\n

The story reflects his experiences as a courier for the French Resistance during World War II, which shaped his outlook on humanity, existence, and the absurdity of life\u2019s routines, and the meaning \u2014 or meaninglessness \u2014 of life. In this, he was profoundly influenced by the writings of existential philosophers Albert Camus and Jean-Paul Sartre, as well as the experimental language of his mentor, James Joyce. The result was a text that rejected traditional structure, plot, and resolution, yet resonated profoundly with a world still grappling with uncertainty.<\/p>\n

Waiting for Godot premiered on Jan. 5, 1953, at the tiny Th\u00e9\u00e2tre de Babylone in Paris.<\/p>\n

The audiences who saw the play\u2019s early performances were conflicted. The play\u2019s minimalist set, plot and dialogue, featuring two tramps talking endlessly as they waited under a barren tree for someone who never arrives was unlike anything they had ever seen before.<\/p>\n

While many hated the play, others concluded they had just witnessed a revolutionary, groundbreaking production destined to change the course of dramatic theater. Interest and attendance grew by word of mouth. Within months, the play ascended to the stature of cultural touchstone, sparking debates about the nature, purpose and future of theater.<\/p>\n

Beckett wrote the play in French. As the play gained popularity and critical acclaim, he translated his script into English.<\/p>\n

The first English-language production opened in London in 1955 at the Arts Theatre. Theater critics there were equally polarized. Some hailed \u201cWaiting for Godot\u201d as genius. Other ridiculed the play as nonsense. But audiences were captivated by Beckett\u2019s strange blend of comedy and despair.<\/p>\n

\u201cGodot\u201d jumped the pond in 1956 \u2013 not as a Broadway production, but rather as a national tour. It didn\u2019t do well financially, but it ended up on Broadway later that year.<\/p>\n

Ironically, a 1957 production at California\u2019s San Quentin Prison cemented \u201cGodot\u2019s\u201d legacy in the annals of theater history. The inmates who performed in the play identified deeply with the play\u2019s themes of waiting and confinement. Word of their reaction spread. From there, \u201cGodot\u201d traveled around the world, taking on new political or spiritual meanings in different cultures.<\/p>\n

Over the decades, \u201cGodot\u201d has been performed in bombed-out theaters, refugee camps, and even in war-torn Sarajevo in the 1990s as a gesture of defiance and endurance. Each staging reinforces the play\u2019s timeless message that waiting, despair, and hope are constants of the human condition. And major revivals have brought fresh insight, such as the 2009 Broadway production starring Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart, which emphasized the tender friendship at the play\u2019s core.<\/p>\n

Support for WGCU\u2019s arts & culture reporting comes from the Estate of Myra Janco Daniels, the Charles M. and Joan R. Taylor Foundation, and Naomi Bloom in loving memory of her husband, Ron Wallace.<\/p>\n

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