Subseries 1D: Papers: Chronological: 1973-1975

Box 4

Folder -- Contents

1. [1973], 19 Jan.: [Adler], Stella, 1902- , New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

   Calls him "a master" after experiencing his rehearsal. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 19.6 cm.

2. 1973, 14 Feb.: [Quadri], Franco, Milan. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

   Loved his book; hopes it will be published in Italy; asks for a copy for Einaudi. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 29.8 cm.

   Chaikin's notes on envelope.

3. [1973, 22 Feb.]: [Shepard], Sam, 1943- [London]. To Joe [Chaikin], [New York City].

   Reads his book; doesn't understand how he works. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 33 cm.

4. 1973, 24 Feb.: Caughie, J[ohn] M., Cambridge, Mass. To Joseph Chaikin, New York City.

   Explains he is a student visiting from England for research on laboratory theater; requests the oppurtunity to see the Open Theater at work. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

5. 1973, 8 Mar.: [Miller], Arthur, 1915- , [Roxbury, Conn.] To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

   Regrets his illness prevented their getting together; will call upon returning from vacation. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 26.6 cm.

6. 1973, 13 Mar.: [Quadri], Franco, [Milan, Italy]. To Joe [Chaikin].

   Informs him Einaudi will publish an Italian translation of Presence of the Actor; requests material about his new work; asks if the Open Theater will dissolve. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 29.8 cm.

7. 1973, 27 Mar.: Meadow, Lynne, New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

   Admires his work; invites him to work at the Manhattan Theatre Club. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

   Draft of Chaikin's reply at foot of letter.

8. 1973, 12 April: Chaikin, Joe, 1935- . To Ms. [Lynne] Meadow, New York City.

   Considers Manhattan Theatre Club "one of the few viable working places in New York" but isn't doing any planning until winter. Typed Letter (carbon). 1p., 27.9 cm.

9. 1973, 18 April: Macdonald, Dwight, 1906-1982, New York City. To Joseph Chaikin, New York City.

   Invites him to join committee to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the War Risisters League; gives history of the WRL, quoting Einstein. Typed Letter Signed. 2 p., 26.5 cm.

10. [1973], 24 April: Hunt, Gordon, Los Angeles. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Responds to "Mutation Show"; introduces Darryl Hickman who will get in touch with him. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 28 cm.

11. 1973, 27 April: [Brook], Peter, 1925- , Paris. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Hopes to see him. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 21 cm.

12. 1973, 9 Aug.: [Hickman], Darryl, 1933- , New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Responds to their meeting; calls him "an extraordinarily good listener"; has re-read his book; enjoys working on his current project. Typed Letter Signed. 2 p., 27.9 cm.

13. [1973], 21 Aug.: [Shepard], Sam, 1943- , Nova Scotia. To Joe [Chaikin], [New York City].

    Recalls discussion at R.D. Laing's; examines will; invites him to visit. Autograph Letter Signed. 5 p., 20.3 cm.

14. 1973, Aug.: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935-. [Unaddressed], "About the end of the Open Theatre".

    Announcing the disbanding of the Open Theater in December, 1973. Typed Letter. 1 p.

15. 1973, 3 Sept.: [Lust], Geraldine, New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], Charlemont, Mass.

Talked with Susan Yankowitz; asks him to ask Peter Brook about her; requests his letter of recommendation for an NEA grant; feels he won't like her new play. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 26.8 cm.

16. [1973], 4 Sept.: [Shepard], Sam, 1943- [Nova Scotia]. To Joe [Chaikin], [New York City].

    Discusses choice; hopes to see him on forthcoming visit. Typed Letter Signed. 2 p., 27.9 cm

17. 1973, 5 Sept.: White, Ed, 1940- , New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Asks him to be on advisory board of The Manhattan Review. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 28 cm.

18. [1973, 26 Sept.]: White, Ed, 1940- , New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Thanks him for being on board of advisers; admires his work. Autograph Postcard Signed. 1 p., 8.3 cm.

19. 1973, 1 Oct.: Rich, Steve. To Technical Director.

    Memorandum regarding "Details of technical needs for Open Theatre performance." Typed Letter Signed (photocopy). 2 p.

20. 1973, 10 Oct.: Stoltenberg, John. To Presenters.

    Memorandum regarding program copy credits for Terminal, The Mutation Show and/or Nightwalk. Typed Letter Signed (photocopy) 1 p.

21. 1973, 10 Oct.: Stoltenberg, John. To Presenters.

    Memorandum regarding details of Open Theater tour. Typed Letter Signed (photocopy) 1 p.

22. 1973, 23 Oct.: Roy, Claude, 1915- , Paris. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

Feels "glad and sad" the Open Theater will close; informs him Alain Resnais is shooting a new film. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 20.9 cm.

23. 1973, 17 Dec.: Gotlieb, Howard B., Boston. To Mr. [Joseph] Chaikin, New York City.

    Requests his papers for the Twentieth Century Archives. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

24. 1973, 31 Dec.: Gildzen, Alex, 1943- , Kent, Ohio. To Mr. [Howard] Gotlieb, Boston.

    Replies for Joseph Chaikin; informs him Chaikin's papers are at Kent State. Typed Letter (copy). 1 p., 28 cm.

25. [1973] Open Theatre publicity material.

    History of the company intented for informational/promotional use, on Open Theatre letterhead. Typed (photocopy). 2 p.

26. [1974, 5 Jan.]: [Bedford], Brian, 1935- , New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Gives his and Peter Wood's assessment of actress Chaikin recommended; asks if he's like to direct "King Lear." Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 21.6 cm.

27. 1974, 24 Jan.: [Rogoff], Gordon, 1931- , Rome. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Reacts to Rome; discusses proposal politics; reflects on "The Human Prospect" and on Eduardo di Filippo; asks him to ask Jean-Claude van Itallie to call. Typed Letter Signed. 2 p., 28 cm.

28. [1974?], 26 Jan.: [Shepard], Sam, 1943- . To Joe [Chaikin].

    Thanks him for book; sends him a play-in-progress. Typed Letter. 1 p., 22.8 cm.

29. [1974], 11 Feb.: [Shepard], Sam, 1943- , London. To Joe [Chaikin], [New York City].

    Would like him to work on his new play; is directing "Horse Dreamer" at the Royal Court; suffers from "lack of aim." Autograph Letter Signed. 4 p., 22.8 cm.

30. [1974, 14 Mar.]: [London], Roy, New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Thanks him for lettering him in class; reflects on Chaikin's teaching technique; feels inspired. Autograph Letter Signed. 3 p., 20 cm.

31. 1974, 19 Mar.: Blumenthal, Eileen, 1948- , New Haven. To Mr. [Joseph] Chaikin, New York City.

    Expresses gratefulness for the Open Theater; requests interview for her dissertation. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 28.1 cm.

32. [1974?], 22 Mar.: [Shepard], Sam, 1943- . To Joe [Chaikin].

    Disappointed he doesn't want to do play but understands. Typed Letter. 1 p., 23 cm.

33. 1974, 1 April: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935- . To Ms. [Eileen] Blumenthal, New Haven.

    Suggests talking with her after she's studied the Open Theater archives; suggests contacting Paul Zimet and Tina Shepard. Typed Letter (carbon). 1 p., 28 cm.

34. 1974, 6 April: Hardwick, Elizabeth, 1916- , New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Thanks him for Janet Baker record; will send a book of hers; just returned from Brazil. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 21.6 cm.

35. 1974, 16 April: Blumenthal, Eileen, 1948- , New Haven. To Mr. [Joseph] Chaikin, New York City.

    Plans to call him after she's finished the major part of her research. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 28.1 cm.

36. [1974], 24 April: Hoffman, Bill, 1939- , New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Reveals he both upsets and inspires him. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

37. 1974, 26 April: Chaikin, Joe, 1935- , New York City. To Eileen Blumenthal, New Haven.

    Invites her to attend his "Elektra" workshop; suggests she contact Jean-Claude van Itallie and Shami Chaikin. Typed Letter Signed (copy). 1 p., 28 cm.

38. [1974, 26 April]: [London], Roy, New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Tanks him for class; hopes to work on his play this summer. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p. 19.9 cm.

39. 1974, 17 July: O'Connor, Kevin, New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Requests letter concerning usefulness of Theatre Saint Clement's Shelter Program. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

    Pencil draft of Chaikin's reply at foot of letter.

40. 1974, 24 July: [Chaikin, Joseph], 1935- . To Kevin [O'Connor], New York City.

    Supports Shelter Program. Typed Letter (carbon). 1 p., 27.9 cm.

41. 1974, 13 Aug.: Piñero, Miguel, 1946-1988. To Mr. [Joseph] Chaikin.

    Prose poem/letter written at 5 a.m. with Miguel Algarin and Maurice McClelland. Typed Letter Signed (copy). 1 p., 35.5 cm.

42. 1974, Sept.: [Rukeyser], Muriel, 1913-1980, New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], [New York City].

    Thanks him for letter; asks if he wants to use Senate trial transcript in his play. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 19.5 cm.

43. 1974, 15 Oct..: [Shank], Ted, Davis, Cal. To Joe [Chaikin].

    Asks him to submit brief statement on the form his work has taken after the Open Theater for his entry in the next edition of The Oxford Companion to the Theatre; requests he review the interview for his book on the Open Theater. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 28 cm.

    Chaikin's draft of reply at foot of letter and verso.

44. 1974, 16 Oct.: Malina, Judith, 1926- . To Joe Chaikin, New York City.

    Holds his hand. Telegram. 1 p., 14 cm.

45. 1974, 20 Oct.: [Beck], Julian, 1925-1985, Charlotte, Vt. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Wishes him well; quotes Simone Weil. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.8 cm.

46. 1974, 22 Oct.: [Hirsch], Judd, 1935- , New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Sends the love of friends in the theater to mend his heart. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 20 cm.

47. 1974, 29 Nov.: [Quadri], Franco, [Milan, Italy]. To Joe [Chaikin].

    Learned of his operation from Jenn Ben Yakov; asks about his current theater activity; needs pictures for the book. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 29.7 cm.

48. 1974, 2 Dec.: [Bartenieff], George, and Crystal [Field], New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Wishes him well; calls him "one of the finest theater artists we've ever known." Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

49. 1974, 12 Dec.: Chaikin, Joe. To Franco [Quadri], Milan, Italy.

    Will send photographs; asks to have book's dedication changed; is working on the van Itallie version of "The Seagull." Typed Letter (carbon). 1 p., 27.5 cm.

    Accompanied by note on photographs.

50. 1975, 2 Jan.: [Quadri], Franco, Milan, Italy. To Joe [Chaikin].

    Asks for list of his performances and an Open Theater bibliography; the Italian translation of Presence of the Actor with new dedication will appear next April; requests information on The Saegull; asks if he'll do a workshop in Italy. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 29.7 cm.

51. 1975, 4 Jan.: [Bentley], Eric, 1916- , New York City. To Joe [Chaikin].

    Informs him he'll be sent copy of new edition of In Search of Theatre ; would like to send him Galileo. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

52. 1975, 15 Jan.: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935- . To Inge [Morath], Roxbury, Conn.

    Thanks her for her Nightwalk pictures in the new Open Theater book; informs her his editor is looking for pictures for the Italian edition of The Presence of the Actor. Typed Letter (carbon). 1 p., 27.9 cm.

53. 1975, 15 Jan.: Chaikin, Joe, 1935- . To Franco [Quadri], Milan, Italy.

    Sends names of photographers; bibliography from Three Works by the Open Theater and an article about Elektra; will begin new collective piece. Typed Letter (carbon). 1 p., 28 cm.

    Accompanied by sheet of names and addresses of photographers.

54. 1975, 16 Jan.: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935- . To Eric [Bentley], New York City.

    Asks him to send his play. Typed Letter (carbon). 1 p., 28.9 cm.

55. 1975, 29 Jan.: [Handman], Wynn, New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Gives tentative schedule for Action and Show White. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

56. [1975, Jan.]: Hardwick, Elizabeth, 1916- . To Joe [Chaikin].

    Gives her impressions of his staging of "The Sea Gull"; discusses the problem of conflicting vocal styles. Typed Cards Signed. 2 l., 13.9 cm.

57. 1975, 3 Feb.: Chaikin, Joe, 1935- . To Wynn [Handman].

    Finds Action "haunting and wonderful" but won't direct it; comments on Show White; hopes to work at American Place Theater one day. Typed Letter (carbon). 1 p., 27.9 cm.

58. 1975, 8 Feb.: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935-

    Interview conducted after first open-heart surgery. Typed Manuscript (copy). 49 p., 27.9 cm.

    Conducted by Jean Stein.

59. 1975, 11 Feb.: [Quadri], Franco, Milan, Italy. To Joe [Chaikin].

    Thanks him for material; asks questions about his career; explains the Venice Biennale. Typed Letter Signed (carbon). 1 p., 29.6 cm.

    Chaikin's holograph draft of response at foot and verso of letter.

60. 1975, 24 Feb.: Chaikin, Joe, 1935- , New York City. To Franco [Quadri], Milan, Italy.

    Identifies plays; sends program for The Seagull; informs him the new piece won't be ready for the Biennale but he could come to speak. Typed Letter (carbon). 1 p., 28 cm.

61. 1975, 24 Feb.: [Chaikin], Joe, 1935- , New York City. To Ted [Shank], Davis Cal.

    Explains tardiness of reply; indicates cuts in interview; is working on new piece with Jean-Claude van Itallie. Typed Letter Signed (carbon). 1 p., 28 cm.

62. [1975, 20 Mar.]: [Orzel], Nick, Montague, Mass. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Thanks him for letter of recommendation; plans New York visit. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 20.6 cm.

63. 1975, 9 April: [Rogoff], Gordon, 1931- , Buffalo. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Congratulates him on his Guggenheim; continues to explore part-time teaching for him. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 28 cm.

64. 1975, 7 May: Berio, Luciano, Rome. To Joe [Chaikin].

    Is revising "Opera" for fall production in Paris; invites him to direct it with Peter Brook's company. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.8 cm.

    Text of Chaikin's response written at foot of letter.

65. 1975, 4 June: Page, Curtis, Des Moines, Iowa. To Joe [Chaikin].

    He has "some fine skills as director"; "coming East to Nantucket"; asks if they could get together. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 28 cm.

    Text of Chaikin's response written at foot of letter.

66. 1975, 5 June: [Meadow], Lynne, New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Asks him to direct Chekhov or The Dybbuk; will try to eliminate noise problem for him. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

    Chaikin's holograph response at foot of letter and on verso.

67. 1975, June: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935-

    Interview for "Dialog." Typed Manuscript. 21 p., 28 cm.

    Interview conducted in Poland by Andrzej Bonarski.

    Accompanied by 1976 revised version.

68. 1975, 8 July: Chaikin, Joe, 1935- . To Lynne [Meadow], New York City.

    Is glad noise problem is being addressed; current piece being done at Exchange Theater but will contact her if there is a change of plan. Typed Letter (carbon). 1 p., 27.4 cm.

69. 1975, 8 July: Chaikin, Joe, 1935- . To Curtis [Page], Des Moines.

    Regrets he'll be out of town when he's in New York. Typed Letter (carbon). 1 p., 27.9 cm.

70. 1975, 14 Aug.: [Shepard], Sam, 1943- , Corte Madera, Cal. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Rejects Gurdjieff; mentions his writing projects; suggests working together in California. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

71. 1975, 6 Oct.: Condon, John. To Reverend [Karl] Bissinger, New York City.

    Sends Joe Chaikin's resume to help him visit Cuba. Typed Letter (copy). 1 p., 27.9 cm.

72. 1975, 24 Oct.: Ronconi, Luca, Venice. To [Joseph] Chaikin, New York City.

    Invites him to participate in the Venice Biennale, especially in a session on "The Notion of the Laboratory" with Jerzy Grotowski. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 29.6 cm.

73. 1975, 3 Nov.: [Clurman], Harold, 1901-1980, New York City. To Mr. [Joseph] Chaikin, New York City.

    Invites him to serve on Theater Arts Jury of the Brandeis University Creative Arts Awards Commission. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

    Accompanied by list of past winners.

74. 1975, 5 Nov.: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935- . To Harold [Clurman], New York City.

    Declines serving on jury because of "Elektra" rehearsals. Typed Letter (carbon). 1 p., 27.9 cm.

75. 1975, 10 Nov.: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935- , New York City. To Arthur [Miller] and Inge [Morath], Roxbury, Conn.

    Informs them of Susan Sontag's cancer; Muriel Rukeyser is trying to help; asks if they have ideas. Typed Letter (carbon). 1 p., 27.9 cm.

76. 1975, 10 Nov.: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935- . To Ross Wetzsteon, New York City.

    Clarifies the role of playwright in the collaborative process. Typed Letter (carbon). 1p., 27.5 cm.

77. 1975, 10 Nov.: [Olson], Bones, New York City. To Mr. [Joseph] Chaikin.

    Sends him a play; asks him to contact him. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

    Holograph draft of Chaikin's response at foot of letter.

78. 1975, 28 Nov.: [McClelland], Maurice, New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Explains who Lew Bogdan is. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 15.7 cm.

    Accompanied by copy of Typed Letter Signed from Bogdan to McClelland requesting Chaikin direct a play at his theater.

79. 1975, 11 Dec.: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935- . To Mr. [Lew] Bogdan, Bochum, West Germany.

    Expresses interest in his theater but cannot work there at present. Typed Letter (carbon). 1 p., 27.9 cm.

80. 1975, 11 Dec.: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935- , New York City. To Bones [Olson].

    Read his play with interest but has decided to focus on acting rather than directing. Typed Letter (copy). 1 p., 28 cm.

81. 197[5], 30 Dec.: Bogdan, Lew, Bochum, West Germany. To Mr. [Joseph] Chaikin, New York City.

    Agrees to stay in touch. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 29.6 c

Box 5: Joseph Chaikin papers, Subseries 1E: Papers: Chronological: 1976-1977
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