DAVID BELASCO - TYPED LETTER SIGNED 02/11/1931 - HFSID 330

DAVID BELASCO
He writes to the Dramatic Group of the Experimental College at the University of Wisconsin congratulating them on their production of Euripides' The Bacchae
Typed Letter signed: "David Belasco" 1 page, 8½x11. Belasco Theatre, New York City, 1931 February 11. On letterhead of the Belasco Theatre and written to Richard Weil, The Experimental College, The University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin. In full: "The announcement that the Dramatic Group of the Experimental College at the University of Wisconsin is engaged in the production of the Bacchae of Euripides interests me. The added information that all of the details, from the translation to the costumes, sets, lights and rehearsals are the work of the students alone, makes the project all the more interesting. I am obliged to you for sending me the photograph of the set and I wish my affairs permitted my coming to see the performance. Congratulations and good wishes to Dr. Meiklejohn and to all of you." Accompanied by the transmittal envelope, with Belasco Theatre return address. 3-cent stamp attached, postmarked Grand Cent. Annex, NY, Feb 11 1931. David Belasco (1853-1931, born in San Francisco, California) whose black apparel earned him the nickname "the Bishop of Broadway," was a dominant figure in New York theater for nearly half a century. He wrote, directed or produced over 100 Broadway plays, more than forty of which were made into movies. His famous works included The Heart of Maryland, Girl of the Golden West and DuBarry. Belasco, who built and managed several theaters, was also known for his trendsetting realistic stage sets and innovative lighting techniques. Belasco also influenced Hollywood, mentoring Cecil B. DeMille and giving Mary Pickford her screen name. Normal mailing folds. Slightly creased. Vertical tear at lower crease. Otherwise, fine condition.