OLGA NETHERSOLE - AUTOGRAPH - HFSID 346171

OLGA NETHERSOLE
Rare signature from the star and director of the problem play Sapho (1900)
Signature: "Olga Nethersole" in black ink, 3½x2½. Olga Nethersole (1867-1951) was an English actress, theatre producer, and wartime nurse. She began acting in 1887, debuting at Theatre Royal in England, and later appeared in several important plays across Europe. Nethersole is famous for her role in the play Sapho, based on the novel and previous play of the same name. She asked playwright Clyde Fitch to adapt the original story into a play of her vision, following the lead female character, a woman involved in extra-marital affairs, instead of the original male lead. Nethersole would become the star, producer, and director of the play, which opened in New York in 1900. The play caused an outrage, mostly due to a scene in which Nethersole is carried by a man up a flight of stairs, presumably to an unseen bedroom. The play caused her to be arrested for indecency, though she was quickly released, both the judge and jury declaring they were not to judge the morals of others. Though the play was not successful critically, the controversy is seen as a positive step forward in the advancement of women's rights and independence. It is still heralded as a turning point, yet another step toward the gradual relaxation of Victorian mores surrounding sexuality. In addition to her theatre work, Nethersole served as a nurse during WWI, and would continue to be involved in health and caretaking work for the rest of her life. Sparsely stained throughout, not affecting signature. Toned. Pencil note in an unknown hand on verso. Otherwise, fine condition.