Surrounding the Void: Samuel Beckett and Spain

A study of the relationship between Samuel Beckett and Spain poses some striking questions which are relevant in understanding the cultural inclinations of one of the most important dramatists of the 20th century. Beckett consciously abstained from having direct contact with Spanish culture and never visited Spain, despite showing an interest in the politics of the country at different periods of his life. As a result of this state of affairs a no-go area emerges which calls for a reconceptualization of Beckett's ideas on travel, politics and even his own country. This article tries to approach the matter of Beckett and Spain from different angles, in an attempt to achieve a full panoramic view. The opinions of one of Beckett's Spanish friends, Manolo Fandos, are recorded here for the first time. Key Words. Samuel Beckett, Ireland, Spain, French language and civilization, Italian and German languages, Fernando Arrabal, Manolo Fandos. Cualquier estudio sobre la relacion de Samuel Beckett con Espana tendria que enfrentarse a algunas preguntas muy llamativas cuyo planteamiento, no obstante, es necesario para comprender las inquietudes culturales de uno de los mas importantes dramaturgos del siglo XX. Samuel Beckett, conscientemente, evito viajar a Espana a pesar de mostrar interes, en distintos periodos de su vida, por los acontecimientos politicos de este pais. A raiz de esta situacion parece surgir un espacio vacio en torno a Espana, lo que invita a un replanteamiento de algunas de las ideas ya conocidas sobre el escritor irlandes: su opinion sobre los viajes, sobre politica o sobre su propio pais. Este articulo pretende acercarse a la cuestion de Beckett y Espana desde distintos angulos, con el objeto de lograr una vision general del problema. Las declaraciones de uno de los amigos espanoles de Samuel Beckett, el pintor Manolo Fandos, se recogen aqui por primera vez. Palabras Clave. Samuel Beckett, Irlanda, Espana, idioma frances y civilizacion francesa, idiomas italiano y aleman, Fernando Arrabal, Manolo Fandos.