ANTHONY SWERLING - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 03/06/1972 - HFSID 315169

ANTHONY SWERLING
The Swedish playwright writes to John Willis, Editor of Theatre World, asking him his opinion of playwright August Strindberg, no matter how "slight, inconsequential or negative you feel your opinion might be"
Typed letter signed: "Anthony Swerling", in black felt tip, 5½x7. March 6, 1972. Cambridge, England. In full: "Dear Mr. Willis, I am at present completing a study on the critical reception and influence of August Strindberg. Knowing your contribution to the prestige of the theatre and being a great admirer of your work, I am writing to ask if you would be so gracious as to let me know your personal opinion of the Swede and his work, lest my book remain incomplete without your testimony". Post script: "However slight, inconsequential or negative you feel your opinion might be". Anthony Swerling (1944-2004) was an English born Swedish translator, linguist, and playwright. After graduating from North Manchester Grammar School, Swerling continued his studies, eventually being granted a scholarship from the Swedish Institute to continue his research on August Strindberg (as noted above). He wrote several plays in addition to his research work, including Politikerns sista tal, Ett fall för Freudenthal, and Ät mig. John A. Willis (1916-2010), active in Theatre World from the beginning, became its chief editor in 1965, holding that position until 2008. Willis is regarded as one of the foremost theatre and film historians of the 20th century. While producing (and presenting) the annual Theatre World Awards, Willis also served on the nominating committee for the Tony Awards. Theatre World, which received its own Tony for Excellence in Theatre in 2001, continues under chief editor Ben Hodges. Normal mailing folds. Light surface creases Fine condition.