$7,800
Fifteen years of correspondence, dating from 1905 to 1920, written by Shaw to Louis Calvert, a Shakespearean and Shavian actor and director. This collection comprises eleven letters (three ALS and eight TLS) and includes Shaw's holographic corrections and emendations.The letters pertain to Shaw's comedy "Major Barbara," a timely commentary on the causes of poverty and the solutions society could offer. The play opened in London's Court Theatre on November 28, 1905 running for six successful weeks (the Court's maximum) to packed audiences. Louis Calvert played Andrew Undershaft in the original production and then directed and acted in the play's revival in New York ten years later in 1915. Included in the collection is a letter from the day before the play opened in 1905 with last minute, detailed criticisms by Shaw of Calvert's performance, as well as a handwritten letter from the day after the play opened mocking the critic's reviews of the opening matinee. Many of the letters document Calvert's American production with encouragement and suggestions from George Bernard Shaw.This collection of letters tells part of the fascinating and complex story of George Bernard Shaw and Louis Calvert's professional and personal relationship.
Auctioneer:
Leslie Hindman Auctioneers
Date:
2005-12-11
