WELLES, Orson (1915-1985). Typed letter signed ("Orson Welles"), to C. B. Ryan. New York, 6 July 1937. 1 page, 4to, 279 x 216 mm, on Federal Theatre P

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Selections from the Library of Gerald and Bar...

By Hindman

Oct 8, 2020

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• Lot Description
  WELLES, Orson (1915-1985). Typed letter signed ("Orson Welles"), to C. B. Ryan. New York, 6 July 1937. 1 page, 4to, 279 x 216 mm, on Federal Theatre Project for New York stationery, "Maxine Elliott's Theatre" typed below heading, creased, a few small stains. 
  
  Welles writes on behalf of a member of his production team: "I hereby certify that Miss Lillian Sheldon is an efficient and useful worker and has always discharged her duties to my complete satisfaction while in my division of the Federal Theater Project."
  
  In 1937, Welles was to direct Marc Blitzstein's The Cradle Will Rock as part of the Federal Theatre Project. The show, which was to be performed at Maxine Elliott's Theatre, was scheduled to open on June 16, 1937, but a few days before the Broadway opening, the WPA temporarily shut the project down. The WPA claimed that they shut the play down as part of a reorganization of all its arts projects, but many argued that the pro-union play was instead deemed "too radical." The theatre was padlocked and surrounded by security to prevent anyone from stealing props or costumes, which were the property of the U. S. Government. Producer John Houseman secured a financial backer, and the show ran for two weeks beginning June 18; the success of the show led Welles and Houseman to form the Mercury Theatre, who ran the show as part of its inaugural season. 
  
  

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