Theatre of the Skull. Rough for Radio II by Samuel Beckett

This B.A. thesis examines Samuel Beckett’s portrayal of the artistic mind and the process of creativity in his radio play “Rough for Radio II”. The play as a piece of performance for radio will be briefly discussed. Then how Beckett highlights four different parts of the artist’s mind, turning each one into a separate character with a very specific function; Fox is the subconscious, the inner voice of creativity; the Animator is the self conscious, the critical part; the Stenographer the memory; and Dick the suffering the self conscious has decided is a necessary part of the creative process. All four characters are examined as well as the role each one plays within the play. The grotesque relationship between the characters is discussed and how each participant is involved in the tortuous act of creativity. The method used in the play to inspire creativity and its effect on the characters is explored. Also, how the play parodies the tortured artist, who constantly struggles with his art, and his difficulties in producing a piece of creative work. Essentially “Rough for Radio II” is a monodrama that parodies the creative process