Subseries 1E: Papers: Chronological: 1976-1977

Box 5

Folder -- Contents

1. 1976, 16 Feb.: McKellen, Ian, 1939- , London. To Joseph Chaikin, New York City.

   Thanks him for his interest in the Actors Company; will contact him again in June. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 17.8 cm.

   Holograph postscript on verso of envelope.

2. 1976, 8 Mar.: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935- , New York City. To Kristin [Linklater].

   Believes his approach to acting contradicts that of Peter Cass; asks to be dropped as a master teacher at the Working Theater. Typed Letter. 1 p., 28 cm.

   Accompanied by carbons of revision and copy of Chaikin's three-page personal explanation to Linklater.

3. 1976, 13 Mar.: [Lust], Geraldine, New York City. To Joe [Chaikin].

   Felt moved by his performance but disliked the music and lighting. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 28.1 cm.

4. 1976, 25 Mar.: [Lust], Geraldine, New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

   Continues to be haunted by his Woyzeck; remains unemployed; requests he speak to her Artaud class. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 28.1 cm.

5. [1976], 26 Mar.: [Kennedy], Adrienne, 1931- , New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

   Will always remember his performance as Woyzeck; wishes he'd direct her plays. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 26.7 cm.

6. [1976, Mar.: [Fornes], Irene, 1930- , New York City. To Joe [Chaikin]

   Sends him play Murray Mednick would like him to direct. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

7. 1976, 2 April: Chaikin, Joe, 1935- , New York City. To Ross Wetzsteon, New York City.

   Disputes the headline of his article; discusses post Open Theatre goals; believes there are weaknesses in his portrayal of Woyzeck. Typed Letter Signed (copy). 1 p., 27.9 cm.

8. 1976, 13 April: [Seltzer], Dan, 1933-1980, Princeton, N.J. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

   Expresses delight that he will teach; will check on dates for a talk with students. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 28 cm.

9. 1976, 20 April: [Shepard], Sam, 1943- , Mill Valley, Cal. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

   Will remain in California through summer; begins directing new play next month. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

10. 1976, 20 April: Wetzsteon, Ross, New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Regrets he emphasized headline over concept; likes idea of presenting several critical sensibilities.

11. [1976, 23 April]: [Serban], Andrei, Paris. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Would like to collaborate with him; feels that in Europe Brecht is "preserved as in a sort of Louve"; hopes to do "The Cherry Orchard" some day. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 20.9 cm.

12. 1976, 27 April: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935- . To Eric [Bentley], New York City.

    Reacts to his new play; will work to unite movement, gesture and word. Typed Letter Signed (carbon). 1 p., 27.9 cm.

    Accompanied by Chaikin's holograph draft.

13. 1976, 30 April: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935- and Mira Rafalowicz. [Unaddressed], New York City.

    Open letter to writers asking for material to be used by group getting together to explore storytelling [The Winter Project]. Typed Letter (photocopy), Unsigned. 1 p.

14. 1976, 5 May: Shank, Ted, Davis, Cal. To Joseph Chaikin.

    Requests free copy of Presence of the Actor be sent to Anatol Silin in Moscow. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 28 cm.

    Chaikin's holograph notes at foot of letter and verso.

15. [1976, 10 May]: [Chaikin], Joseph, 1935- . To Billy [Hoffman].

    Returns his play; regrets not having seen him lately. Autograph Letter Signed (draft). 1 p., 12.6 cm.

    Accompanied by carbon of secretary's typed letter.

16. 1976, 12 May: Condon, John J. To Professor [Theodore] Shank, Davis Cal.

    Informs him copy of Presence of the Actor is being sent to Anatol Silin; relays Chaikin's low regard for A Book on the Open Theater and praise for the work of Eileen Blumenthal. Typed Letter (carbon). 1 p., 28 cm.

17. 1976, 19 July: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935- and Mira Rafalowicz. [Unaddressed], New York City.

    Open letter to writers regarding material for the Winter Project. Typed Letter (photocopy), Unsigned. 1 p.

18. [1976], 11 Aug.: [Bentley], Eric, 1916- , New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Requests blurb for his new play. Typed Postcard Signed. 1 p., 8.2 cm.

19. [1976, 10 Sept.]: Bonarski, [Andrejz], Warsaw. To Joe Chaikin, New York City.

    Invites him to Poland. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 l., 10.5 cm.

20. 1976, 16 Sept.: [Seltzer], Dan, 1933-1980, Princeton, N.J. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Believes they must have a project for the spring; discusses financial and travel problems involved in his teaching at Princeton; prefers a production of Uncle Vanya to Beckett and suggests cast. Typed Letter Signed. 3 p., 28 cm.

21. 1976, 29 Sept.: [Laing], Ronie, 1927- , London. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Expresses regret at missing him in London. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 19.8 cm.

22. [1976], 11 Oct.: [Seltzer], Dan, 1933-1980, Princeton, N.J. To Joe [Chaikin].

    Leans toward Endgame for the production; needs resumé for possible fellowship; understands he needs to be free to explore new ideas. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 28 cm.

    Accompanied by holograph page of Chaikin's notes toward a bibliography.

23. 1976, 17 Oct.: [Katz], Jonathan, New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Requests a letter of reference for a grant proposal to write a play on Walt Whitman. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

24. 1976, 21 Oct.: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935- . To Ingram Merrill Foundation, New York City.

    Recommends Jonathan Katz. Typed Letter (carbon). 1 p., 27.9 cm.

25. [1976], 21 Oct.: [Seltzer], Dan, 1933-1980. To Joe [Chaikin].

    Guides him through official letter of appointment. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 28 cm.

    Accompanied by Typed Letter Signed from Seltzer to Chaikin appointing him Visiting Lecturer at Princeton.

26. 1976, 23 Oct.: Bonarski, [Andrejz], Warsaw. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Provides addresses; hopes to visit India and Nepal; plans to use his interview in a book. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 10.4 cm.

27. 1976, 2 Nov.: Seltzer, Dan, 1933-1980, Princeton, N.J. To Ms. [Elizabeth] Rectanus, New York City.

    Thanks her for the information on Joe Chaikin. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 22.9 cm.

28. 1976, 22 Nov.: Yankowitz, Susan.

    The excavators. Typed Play (copy). 5 p., 28.1 cm.

    Note from playwright to Joe [Chaikin] on front.

    Accompanied by later version.

29. 1976, 30 Nov.: [MacIntosh], Joan, Thailand. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Has had "a long, impossible, and splendid year"; she'll be back in January, Richard Schechner in February. Autograph Postcard Signed. 1 l., 9.1 cm.

30. 1976, 1 Dec.: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935-

    Notes/Winter project. Typed Manuscript (4 copies). 12 [i.e. 13] p., 28 cm.

    Accompanied by copy with Chaikin's holograph revisions.

31. 1976, 21 Dec.: Chaikin, Joe, 1935- , New York City. To Barbara [Harris] and Alan [Alda], Hollywood.

    Declines contribution to the Spolin Theater Game Center. Typed Letter (copy). 1p., 27.9 cm.

    Accompanied by form letter from Alda and Harris and copy of a Los Angeles Times article.

32. [1976?]: [Chaikin], Joe, 1935- . To Peter [Brook], Paris.

    Explains his participation in Theatre Practice; invites him to join. Autograph Letter Signed (draft). 2 p., 22.1 cm.

33. [1976]: [Kennedy], Adreinne, 1931- , New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Sends him script of A Movie Star Has to Star in Black and White; Jane Alexander interested in playing the lead. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

34. 1976-77: Winter Project written materials. Typed Manuscript. 49 p., 27.9 cm.

    Includes original manuscripts of James Scully, Sam Shepard, Jean-Claude van Itallie and Susan Yankowitz.

    Removed from notebook dated "Dec. 76-Feb. 77."

35. 1977, 6 Jan.: [MacIntosh], Joan. To Joe [Chaikin].

    Wishes him good health; sends the regards of Jan Kott. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 15.1 cm.

36. [1977], 1 Mar.: [Walden], Stan. To Jo [Chaikin].

    Calls the Winter Project "an exciting, positive experience"; regrets they weren't able to work in depth; enjoyed seeing him direct; feels glad to have been "in the presence of dangerous beasts once more." Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

37. 1977, 5 Mar.: [Beck], Julian, 1925-1985, and Judith [Malina], 1926- , Barcelona. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Reflect on Spain; read about his work. Autograph Postcard Signed. 1 l., 10.3 cm.

38. 1977, 22 April: [Foster], Paul, 1931- , New York City. To Joe [Chaikin].

    Sends him his new book; asks him to direct Marcus Brutus. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

39. 1977, April: Nelson, Mark.

    Imitate the Sun: Three Visions of the Actor-hero. Typed Manuscript. 72 [i.e. 77] p., 27.4 cm.

    "Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for undergraduate independent work in the English Department of Princeton University toward the A.B. degree in 1977."

40. 1977, 3 May: [Chaikin], Joe, 1935- , New York City. To Paul [Foster].

    Appreciate his work but plans work "taking me more and more away from plays." Typed Letter Signed (copy). 1 p., 27.9 cm.

41. 1977, 3 May: Rafalowicz, Mira.

    The Dybbuk. Typed Play (copy). 134 p., 27.9 cm.

    "Rough/Incomplete Draft" of her translation of the S. Ansky play.

42. 1977, 12 May: [Charney], Nancy, New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Expresses interest in filming a project of his. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

43. 1977, 20 May: [Chaikin, Joseph], 1935- , New York City. To Sam [Shepard].

    Will include him in Center of Theatre Practice; would like to talk to him about the Winter Project; wants his voice represented. Typed Letter (copy). 1 p., 28 cm.

44. 1977, 25 May: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935-

    Statement of agreement. Typed Manuscript Signed (copy). 1p., 28 cm.

    His contract for an appearance at Kent State University.

    Accompanied by news release.

45. [1977], 2 June: [Seltzer], Dan, 1933-1980. To Joe [Chaikin].

    Asks him to consider Herman Arbeit for a role in The Dybbuk; gives his thoughts on their Endgame production. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 28 cm.

46. 1977, 10 June: [Chaikin], Joe, 1935- . To Nancy [Charney], New York City.

    Can't discuss a project until "The Dybbuk" opens. Typed Letter Signed (carbon). 1 p., 28 cm.

47. 1977, 10 June: [Chaikin], Joe, 1935- . To Dan [Seltzer], Princeton, N.J.

    Would like to do Endgame in New York; is busy with The Dybbuk ; will go to Israel in August. Typed Letter Signed (carbon). 1 p., 28 cm.

48. 1977, 28 June: Bogdan, Lew, West Germany. To Joe Chaikin, New York City.

    Wishes to discuss his doing workshops and directing a play. Telegram. 1 p., 28 cm.

49. 1977, 1 July: [Shepard], Sam, 1943- . To Joe [Chaikin].

    Sends him a Michael McClure play. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 28 cm.

    Holograph Draft of Chaikin's reply to McClure at foot of letter.

50. [1977, July]: [Chaikin], Joe, 1935- . To Michael McClure, San Francisco.

    Enjoyed reading "Dream Mirror Voices" but it doesn't correspond to the direction of his current work. Typed Letter Signed (carbon). 1 p., 28 cm.

51. 1977, 16 Nov.: [Chaikin, Joseph], 1935- , New York City. To Kristin [Linklater], New York City.

    Gives her a statement and permission to delete from it. Typed Letter (copy). 1p., 27.9 cm.

    Accompanied by Statement about "The Working Theatre." Typed Article (copy). 2 p., 27.9 cm.

52. [1977], 4 Dec.: [Bentley], Eric, 1916- , New York City. To Joe [Chaikin].

    Asks if he would like to direct Bentley's dramatization of Oscar Wilde's trials. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.8 cm.

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

53. 1977, 23 Dec.: Chaikin, Joe, 1935- . To Eric [Bentley], New York City.

    Reports his hospitalization; will not be directing "for an indefinite period." Typed Letter (copy). 1 p., 28 cm.

54. 1977, 24 Dec.: Golub, Peter. To Joe [Chaikin].

    Hopes he's better; was moved by "The Dybbuk." Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 28 cm.

55. [1977, Dec.]: [Bentley], Eric, 1916- , New York City. To Joe [Chaikin].

    Learned of his health through Bernard Duffy; sends his love; plans to see "The Dybbuk." Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.8 cm.

56. [1977, Dec.]: [Gilbert], Ronnie, New Denver, British Columbia. To Jane [Yockel].

    Sends New Year's wishes; asks if Joe Chaikin is well enough to continue Winter Project; inquires about housing; salary and travel; requests a ticket to "The Dybbuk." Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 27.9 cm.

57. [1977, Dec.]: [Kurtz], Marcia [Jean]. To Joe [Chaikin].

    Tries "to fulfill your beautiful vision" in every performance of "The Dybbuk." Autograph Postcard Signed. 1 l., 16.2 cm.

58. [1977]: Blumenthal, Eileen.

    Joseph Chaikin: An Open Theory of Acting. Typed Manuscript (copy). 39 p., 27.9 cm.

    Published in yale/theatre, Vol. 8, nos. 2 and 3 (Spring 1977), pp. 112-113.

Box 6: Joesph Chaikin papers, Subseries 1F: Papers: Chronological: 1978-1979
Return to Joseph Chaikin papers