The Dumb Waiter

"The Dumb Waiter" is a one-act play by Harold Pinter, first performed in 1960. It revolves around two hitmen, Ben and Gus, waiting in a basement for instructions on their next job. As they engage in conversation, the dynamics of power and control become apparent, revealing their contrasting personalities. The "dumb waiter" itself is a lift used to send food between floors, symbolizing communication breakdown and the absurdity of their situation. Through tension and dark humor, the play explores themes of isolation, authority, and the human condition.