Subseries 1H: Papers: Chronological: 1982-1983

Box 8

Folder -- Contents

1. 1982, 10 Jan.: [Kotler], Oded, Tel Aviv. To Joe [Chaikin], and Mira [Rafalowicz], New York City.

   Seeks clarification of four matters concerning their upcoming project. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 32.8 cm.

2. 1982, 12 Jan.: [Spong], Jon, New York City. To Joseph [Chaikin], New York City.

   Answers for Sherrill Milnes who wrote an article about Leonard Warren; suggests meeting Warren's sister; tells where to buy recordings. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 28 cm.

3. 1982, 21 Jan.: Chaikin, Joe, 1935- , and Mira Rafalowicz, New York City. To Oded [Kotler].

   Discusses dates, rehearsals and other matters concerning the Arab-Jewish project. Typed Letter Signed (copy). 1 p., 27.9 cm.

   Accompanied by draft.

4. 1982, 28 Jan.: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935- , New York City. To Jon Spong.

   Remembers him; Shami took voice lessons with Andrew White; Leonard Warren was "an inspiration to me"; feels "an exhilarating artistic relatedness" to Sherrill Milnes. Typed Letter Signed (copy). 1 p., 28 cm.

   Accompanied by draft.

5. 1982, 30 Jan.: S[chechner], R[ichard]. To Joe [Chaikin].

   Was so moved by his letter that he rethought his published criticism; encloses letter of apology to Performing Arts Journal; didn't mean to hurt Chaikin even though he thinks something is missing in his work since the Open Theater disbanded. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 28 cm.

   Accompanied by carbon of Schechner's Typed Letter Signed to PAJ of same date.

6. 1982, 12 Feb.: [Shepard], Sam, 1943- . To Joe [Chaikin].

   Would like to explore subject of lying; novelty of making movies wearing off; would like to direct his own script. Autograph Letter Signed. 3 p., 24.2 cm.

7. 1982, 28 Feb.: [Coco], Bill, New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

   Responds to "Trespassing", especially Gloria Foster's performance; would like to see him. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 23 cm.

8. 1982, Feb.: The Winter Project.

   Trespassing. Typed Play. 18 [i.e. 20] p., 27.9 cm.

   "The script ... is by Joseph Chaikin, the actors of the Company, Jane Hubbard, Suzanne Little, Mira Rafalowicz, and Ruth Kreshka with additional passages from the Old Testament Psalms and from poet Muriel Rukeyser."

9. 1982, 10 Mar.: Yockel, Jane, New York City. To Sam Shepard.

   Sends Joe Chaikin's summer schedule; asks if they can work together; expresses admiration for "Tongues" and Savage Love." Typed Letter Signed (copy). 1 p., 28 cm.

10. 1982, 18 Mar.: [Shepard], Sam, 1943- , Homestead Valley, Cal. To Jane [Yockel], New York City.

    Can work with Joe Chaikin for a week in August; is flexible in working plans. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 28 cm.

11. 1982, 19 Mar.: [Yockel], Jane, New York City. To Oded [Kotler].

    Notifies him that Joe Chaikin and Mira Rafalowicz are involved in "Antigone" and "Trespassing"; asks about airfare. Typed Letter Signed (copy). 1 p., 28 cm.

12. 1982, 30 Mar.: Kotler, Oded, Tel Aviv. To Jane [Yockel], New York City.

    Encloses copy of his letter to Joseph Papp; requests fuller description of project. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.8 cm.

    Accompanied by copy of Kotler's Typed Letter Signed to Papp, Mar. 9, 1982.

13. 1982, 1 April: Kamlot, Robert, New York City. To Oded Kotler, Tel Aviv.

    Replies for Joseph Papp that the New York Shakespeare Festival will arrange and pay for Joseph Chaikin's transportation to Israel. Typed Letter Signed (copy). 1 p. 27.9 cm.

    Accompanied by page of notes, including flight information.

14. 1982, 6 April: [Foster], Gloria, New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Found working with him "nearly perfect"; continues to carry her character around with her. Autograph Letter Singed. 1 p., 19.7 cm.

15. 1982, 13 April: [Sainer], Arthur, Middlebury, VT. To Joe [Chaikin].

    Invites him to Middlebury College; will see Antigone; will lecture at Tel Aviv Festival. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 23.8 cm.

16. 1982, 19 April: [Yockel], Jane, New York City. To Oded [Kotler].

    Declines to ask Joseph Papp to pay for airfare; sends Mira Rafalowicz's address; finds "Antigone" moving. Typed Letter Signed (copy). 1 p., 27.9 cm.

17. [1982], 1 May: Chaikin, Joe, 1935- , New York City. To Amanda Plummer, New York City.

    Feels he miscast "Antigone"; recalls her work in auditions. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 26 cm.

18. 1982, 3 May: [Chaikin], Joe, 1935- , New York City. To Arthur [Sainer].

    Declines his invitation; will go to Israel in June to work on a piece with an Arab-Jewish company. Typed Letter Signed (copy). 1 p., 27.9 cm.

19. 1982, 5 May: [Kent], Steve, Los Angels. To Jane [Yockel].

    Sends copy of his press kit; has had no response from Mark Taper Forum on "Texts"; reminds her Joe Chaikin would like to perform in Ireland; asks for press on "Trespassing." Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

    Accompanied by his press kit.

20. 1982, 10 May: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935- , New York City. To Sy Peck, New York City.

    Corrects Frank Rich's commentary about him and Peter Brook; believes Mel Gussow is more familiar with alternative theater, suggests he review "Antigone." Autograph Letter Signed (copy). 1 p., 28 cm.

21. 1982, 13 May: Plummer, Amanda, New York City. To Joseph Chaikin, New York City.

    Thanks him for writing; "Antigone" would have been fun. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 22.7 cm.

22. [1982, 17 May]: C[haikin], J[oseph], 1935- , [New York City]. To Shelly Mason, New York City.

    Will speak to Sam Shepard about using their collaboration at the Poetry Center; prefers separate evenings for each. Autograph Letter Signed (draft). 2 p., 19.7 cm.

    Accompanied by copy of secretarial version.

23. [1982, 20 May]: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935- , New York City. To Frank Rich, New York City.

    Responds to his review; considered legal action; an article of his was one of the reasons Chaikin directed Antigone. Autograph Letter Signed (draft). 2 p., 33.4 cm.

    Accompanied by copy of secretary's typed letter and Chaikin's instructions to Jane Yockel.

24. 1982, 20 May: Mason, Shelly, New York City. To Mr. [Joseph] Chaikin, New York City.

    Suggests he perform "Texts" on Nov. 29. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

25. 1982, 20 May: Yockel, Jane, New York City. To Oded Kotler.

    Informs him of Joe Chaikin's decision to change name of piece from "It's a sin" to "Imagining the Other," requests that one of the Arab actors sing native songs. Typed Letter Signed (copy). 1 p., 27.9 cm.

26. 1982, 23 May: [Blumenthal], Eileen, 1948- , New York City. To Jane [Yockel].

    Reminds her that Joe Chaikin agreed to write an NEH recommendation for her. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 22.8 cm.

    Accompanied by copies of application and Chaikin's recommendation.

27. 1982, 24 May: Feinsod, Arthur B.

    The story of Antigone as told at the Public Theater. Typed Manuscript (copy). 17 [i.e. 19] p., 27.9 cm.

    Includes corrections in Joseph Chaikin's hand.

    Accompanied by Typed Letter Signed from Feinsod to Jane Yockel, June 4, 1982, and copy of final version.

28. 1982, 24 May: Poskick, Michael, New York City. To Jane [Yockel], New York City.

    Sends copy of project proposal for "Imagining the Other" and a program for First International Conference and Festival of Jewish Theatre. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 26.6 cm.

    Accompanied by proposal and program.

29. 1982, 25 May: Rich, Frank, New York City. To Joseph Chaikin.

    Is sorry the capsule of his review anguished Chaikin; supports his goal of creating a classical American theater. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

30. 1982, 1 June: Kotler, Oded, Tel Aviv. To Jane [Yockel], New York City.

    Looks forward to meeting Joe Chaikin and Mira Rafalowicz. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.8 cm.

31. 1982, 22 July: Cole, Susan. To Joe [Chaikin].

    Sends him the "Trespassing" chapter of her book The Absent One; outlines the book. Typed Letter Signed (copy). 1 p., 27.9 cm.

32. 1982, 26 July: [Chaikin], Joe, 1935- , New York City. To Oded [Kotler].

    Asks him to send press notices to Joseph Papp; wants to know how the piece is going. Typed Letter Signed (copy). 1 p., 27.9 cm.

    Accompanied by Chaikin's holograph draft.

33. [1982, 27 July]: [Chaikin], Joe. To Jane [Yockel].

    Encloses draft of cover letter to Susan Cole; asks her to make and distribute copies of Cole's essay on "Trespassing." Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 28 cm.

    Accompanied by Chaikin's draft and copy of cover letter, and Gloria Foster's copy of the article.

34. 1982, 23 Aug.: Comtois, M. E., 1927- , New Brunswick, N.J. To Mr. [Joseph] Chaikin, New York City.

    Seeks an evaluation of Eileen Blumenthal who is being considered for promotion at Rutgers. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.9 cm.

    Accompanied by copy of Blumenthal's curriculum vitae.

35. [1982, 26 Aug.]: Chaikin, Joe, 1935- . To Sam Beckett, Paris.

    Describes proposed piece; asks for his thoughts. Autograph Letter Signed (draft). 1 p., 33.4 cm.

    Accompanied by copy of secretary's typed letter.

36. 1982, 26 Aug.: [Chaikin], Joe, 1935- , New York City. To Liviu [Ciulei], Minneapolis.

    Wants to perform "Peer Gynt" at the Guthrie but doesn't like to be away from New York for long. Typed Letter Signed (copy). 1 p., 27.9 cm.

    Accompanied by Chaikin's draft.

37. 1982, 31 Aug.: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935- , New York City. To M. E. Comtois, New Brunswick, N.J.

    Calls Eileen Blumenthal "enormously talented and a careful and conscientious scholar." Typed Letter Signed (copy). 1 p., 28 cm.

    Accompanied by draft.

38. 1982, 8 Sept.: [Shepard], Sam, 1943- , Homestead Valley, Cal. To [Chaikin], [New York City].

    Wants to work with him but can't commit the time; needs to spend time with his family. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 24.2 cm.

39. 1982, 9 Sept.: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935-

    Thursday morning lecture. Typed Manuscript (xerox). 15 p., 27.9 cm.

    Transcript of talk at the Institute for Middle East Peace and Development.

40. 1982, 14 Sept.: [Crawford], Jerry, Las Vegas. To Joe [Chaikin].

    Thanks him for card; solicits his support in getting a sabbatical leave. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27,.9 cm.

    Accompanied by copies of support letters from Robert A. Freedman and Howard Stein.

41. 1982, 14 Sept.: [Kotler], Oded, Tel Aviv. To Joe [Chaikin].

    Gives response to "Them" which also is being produced "out of town"; asks if Joseph Papp is interested in bringing the show to New York. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 28.8 cm.

42. 1982, 20 Spet.: Beckett, Sam, 1906- , Paris. To Joseph Chaikin.

    Is uncertain how he can help; offers use of any of his published works. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 8 cm.

43. 1982, 23 Sept.: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935- , New York City. To whom it may concern.

    Supports Jerry L. Crawford's application for a sabbatical leave from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Typed Letters Signed (copy). 1 p., 27.8 cm.

44. [1982, Sept.]: [Chaikin], J[oseph], 1935- . To Mir[a] [Rafalowicz].

    Because of his radio work she must help prepare for Winter Project; gives performers' schedules; encloses "some first seeds" of a script. Autograph Letter Signed (copy). 2 p., 35.5 cm.

    Accompanied by copy of script Chaikin has labeled in ink "Breathing" and Jane Yockel in pencil "Winter Project 1983."

45. 1982, 4 Oct.: [Beckett], Sam, 1906- , Paris. To Joseph [Chaikin], New York City.

    Thanks him for letters; suggests works for Chaikin's program. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 10.5 cm.

46. 1982, 4 Oct.: Mason, Shelley, New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Confirms his performance of "Texts" at the Poetry Center; asks him to sign copy. Typed Letter Signed (copy). 1 p., 27.8 cm.

    Accompanied by copy of Jane Yockel's Typed Letter Signed to Mason, Oct. 13, 1982.

47. 1982, 21 Oct.: [Beckett], Sam, 1906- . To Joseph Chaikin.

    Gives permission to videotape Texts; comments on Billie Whitelaw. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 8 cm.

    Explanation in Chaikin's hand on verso.

48. [1982, Oct.]: [Chaikin], J[oseph], 1935- . To Jane [Yockel].

    Asks her to save Samuel Beckett's card. Autograph Note Signed. 1 p., 7.8 cm.

49. 1982, 30 Nov.: [Shepard], Sam, 1943- . To Joe [Chaikin].

    Still can't commit his time for another collaboration; likes working with him because they work differently; never started a play with a subject before. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 28 cm.

50. 1982, 7 Dec.: Schacher, Wendy, New York City. To Ms. [Jane] Yockel, New York City.

    Requests $300 royalties from Joseph Chaikin for having performed Samuel Beckett's "Texts" without authorization. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 28 cm.

51. 1982, 20 Dec.: Mohler, Alan, Princeton, N.J. To Joe Chaikin, New York City.

    Appreciates his sympathy. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 22.8 cm.

52. [1982]: [Chaikin, J[oseph], 1935- . To Twyla Tharp.

    Was enthralled by the video of "The Catherine Wheel"; deeply appreciates her work. Autograph Letter Signed (draft). 1 p., 25.2 cm.

53. [1982]: Hodsoll, F[rank], S[amuel] M[onaise], 1938- , Washington, D.C. To Mr. [Joseph] Chaikin, New York City.

    Invites him to participate in a symposium on American theater sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts. Typed Letter Signed. 2 p., 27.9 cm.

    Accompanied by list of participants.

54. 1983, 3 Jan.: Schacher, Wendy, New York City. To Ms. [Jane] Yockel, New York City.

    Sends invoice for $300 for one-time use of Samuel Beckett's "Texts." Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 21.7 cm.

    Accompanied by invoice, Schachner's Typed Letter Signed to Yockel of Jan. 18, 1983, Yockel's response of Feb. 2, 1983 and copy of Shelley Mason's Typed Letter to Schacher of March 1, 1983.

55. 1983, 11 Jan.: [Berman], Lois, New York City. To Jane [Yockel], New York City.

    Sends copies of "Tongues" and "Savage/Love" agreement between Sam Shepard, Joe Chaikin and Samuel French. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 25.4 cm.

    Accompanied by Chaikin-Shepard royalty statements (1979-1982).

56. 1983, 8 Feb.: [Berman], Lois, New York City. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Encloses letter of agreement with Samuel French for "Tongues" and "Savage/Love." Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 25.3 cm.

    Accompanied by contract signed by Chaikin and Sam Shepard, dated Nov. 10, 1982.

57. 1983, 18 Feb.: [Shepard], Sam, 1943- , Mill Valley, Cal. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Will be in New York in May; experiences Vivaldi; finds happiness in nature. Autograph Letter Signed. 5 p., 17 cm.

58. 1983, 25 Mar.: Ashley, George, New York City. To David Roggensack, New York City.

    Sends press releases for "Nightvoices"; informs him that Joe Chaikin is pleased at his interest in his career. Typed Letter Signed (carbon). 1 p., 20 cm.

    Accompanied by two press releases from Artservices and a page of notes.

59. 1983, Mar.: The Winter Project.

    Trio. Typed Play (copy). 27 [i.e. 30] p., 27.9 cm.

    Performed as "Lies and Secrets."

60. 1983, 22 April: Beckett, Sam, 1906- . To Joe Chaikin, Paris.

    Writes from the country that he is sorry to miss him. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 8 cm.

61. 1983, 11 May: Chaikin, Joseph, 1935- , New York City. To Ron Padgett, New York City.

    Enjoyed reading his poems but needs a poet with a strong theater background for his project. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 28 cm.

62. 1983, 26 May: Beckett, Sam, 1906- , Paris. To Joseph Chaikin, Paris.

    Suggests time and place to meet. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 8 cm.

63. 1983, 30 May: [Beckett, Samuel], 1906- , Paris. To [Joseph Chaikin], Paris.

    Gives meeting time. Autograph Note. 1 p., 8 cm.

64. [1983], 18-24 June: [Chaikin], Joe, 1935- , Toronto. To Sam Beckett, [Paris].

    Rehearses "Texts"; asks him to amplify a remark he made in Paris; won't perform piece again; discusses collaborative theater work; feels he carries Beckett's voices; feels loss after final performance. Autograph Letter Signed (copy). 6 p., 35.5 cm.

    Accompanied by Chaikin's Autograph Note of instructions to Artservices.

65. 1983, 24 July: [Beckett], Sam, 1906- , Paris. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Informs him "God bless" is Dublinese for "all the best." Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 8 cm.

66. 1983, 3 Aug.: [Shepard], Sam, 1943- , Santa Fe. To Joe [Chaikin].

    Suggests working together on a campus; glad he saw "Fool for love"; balances film and theater. Typed Letter Signed. 2 p., 28 cm.

67. [1983, Fall]: [Chaikin, Joseph], 1935-

    Vanya notebooks. Autograph Manuscript. 2 vol.

    Spiral bound notebooks: one 14 l., 22 cm.; the other 1 l., 19.6 cm.

68. 1983, 22 Sept.: [Rabin], Jules. To George _____.

    Hopes to see Serban's "Uncle Vanya"; sends review of his production. Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.8 cm.

    Accompanied by clipping dated Sept. 14, 1983.

69. 1983, 7 Oct.: [Beckett], Sam, 1906- , Paris. To Joe [Chaikin].

    Comments on King Lear; wishes him well on his "formidable adventure." Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 8 cm.

70. [1983, 10 Oct.]: [Kennedy], Adrienne, 1931- , Berkeley, Ca. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Sent "A Rat's Mass" to Bridget Aschenberg; wishes she could earn a living as a writer. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 21.7 cm.

71. 1983, 15 Oct.: [Shepard], Sam, 1943- , Waterloo, Iowa. To Joe [Chaikin].

    Takes a break from filmmaking to discuss aspects of their collaboration. Autograph Letter Signed. 3 p., 33.6 cm.

72. 1983, 29 Oct.: [Shepard], Sam, 1943- . To Joe [Chaikin].

    Discusses ideas of being lost and being haunted by dreams; will do music for the collaboration; suggests Anne Millitello design lightning. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 33.6 cm.

73. [1983, Oct.]: [Chaikin, Joseph], 1935-

    Gwen Frabricant. Typed Manuscript. 1 p., 28 cm.

    Statement written for "Gwen Fabricant & Mary Frank: The Open Theater and Beyond," a two-woman exhibition at Kent State University, December 1983.

74. 1983, 13 Nov.: [Beckett], Sam, 1906- . To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Reacts to his directing Waiting for Godot; agrees to meet with Brian Bedford; is going to London. Autograph Letter Signed. 1 p., 10 cm.

75. 1983, 9 Dec.: [Shepard], Sam, 1943- . To Joe [Chaikin].

    Feels exhausted by shooting schedule but is learning freedom from film acting; discusses his musical abilities; will drive from Los Angeles to Boston in January. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 33.6 cm.

76. 1983, 12 Dec.: Chaikin, Joe, 1935- . To Henry [Pillsbury], Paris.

    Discusses work with W. S. Merwin; will meet Sam Shepard to compose new piece; will direct "Waiting for Godot" at Stratford; would like to return to Paris to work on "the right project." Typed Letter Signed. 1 p., 27.6 cm.

77. 1983, 18 Dec.: [Jacobs], Sally, London. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Loves being in London but feels in an artistic vacuum; designed "The Relapse"; will call Mira Rafalowicz in Amsterdam. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 29.6 cm.

78. [1983]: [Brook], Peter, 1925- , Paris. To Joe [Chaikin], New York City.

    Was touched by his letter; asks the availability of an apartment in Westbeth in the fall. Autograph Letter Signed. 2 p., 21 cm.

Box 9: Joseph Chaikin papers, Subseries 1I: Papers: Chronological: Exploring at the Boundaries of Theater: 1984
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