Natka Bianchini is Assistant Professor of Theatre in the Department of Fine Arts at Loyola University Maryland, USA.

"The professional and personal relationship between a remarkable director and an extraordinary playwright finds in Bianchini's volume the kind of examination it has long deserved. Re-tracing each of their collaborations - from the earliest phase of Schneider's research and planning, through his notes and correspondence with Beckett and the rehearsal process, to performance and critical response - the author offers an insightful and comprehensive study of two creative greats that makes for a truly wonderful read!" - Lois Oppenheim, Professor of Modern Languages and Literatures, Montclair State University, USA and Past President of The Samuel Beckett Society "Bianchini explores the extraordinary intimacy between playwright, Samuel Beckett, and director, Alan Schneider, in this scrupulously documented history, detailing the specifics of Schneider's obsessive desire to accurately portray Beckett's plays in accordance with the author's wishes. In an age where director's concepts weigh far more heavily than the playwright's intentions, Bianchini's focus on Schneider's interpretive art is refreshing, absorbing, and incredibly helpful not only to Beckett scholars, but to any directing students interested in understanding how to approach a script." - David A. Crespy, Professor of Playwriting, Acting, & Dramatic Literature, University of Missouri, USA, and President of The Edward Albee Society

• Introduction: "Exactly as you Envisioned" Alan Schneider and Samuel Beckett 1. The Laugh Sensation of Two Continents! 2. Finding a Home Off-Broadway 3. A Series of Firsts 4. New York and Beyond 5. American Zenith Conclusion: Assessing Schneider's Legacy

Natka Bianchini is Assistant Professor of Theatre in the Department of Fine Arts at Loyola University Maryland, USA.

"The professional and personal relationship between a remarkable director and an extraordinary playwright finds in Bianchini's volume the kind of examination it has long deserved. Re-tracing each of their collaborations - from the earliest phase of Schneider's research and planning, through his notes and correspondence with Beckett and the rehearsal process, to performance and critical response - the author offers an insightful and comprehensive study of two creative greats that makes for a truly wonderful read!" - Lois Oppenheim, Professor of Modern Languages and Literatures, Montclair State University, USA and Past President of The Samuel Beckett Society "Bianchini explores the extraordinary intimacy between playwright, Samuel Beckett, and director, Alan Schneider, in this scrupulously documented history, detailing the specifics of Schneider's obsessive desire to accurately portray Beckett's plays in accordance with the author's wishes. In an age where director's concepts weigh far more heavily than the playwright's intentions, Bianchini's focus on Schneider's interpretive art is refreshing, absorbing, and incredibly helpful not only to Beckett scholars, but to any directing students interested in understanding how to approach a script." - David A. Crespy, Professor of Playwriting, Acting, & Dramatic Literature, University of Missouri, USA, and President of The Edward Albee Society

• Introduction: "Exactly as you Envisioned" Alan Schneider and Samuel Beckett 1. The Laugh Sensation of Two Continents! 2. Finding a Home Off-Broadway 3. A Series of Firsts 4. New York and Beyond 5. American Zenith Conclusion: Assessing Schneider's Legacy