ZYPORA SPAISMAN - AUTOGRAPH LETTER SIGNED 11/30/1984 - HFSID 315212

ZYPORA SPAISMAN
Yiddish actress sends letter to John Willis, editor of Theatre World, inviting him to come and see her play
Autograph letter signed: "Zypora Spaisman" in black ink. 1 page, 8½x11. On Folksbiene Playhouse, Inc. letterhead. November 30, 1984. New York City, New York. In full: "Dear Mr. Willis, I deeply appreciate your carrying my biography and pictures in your files and volumes. Enclosed, as you requested, is a recent black and white glossy head portrait of myself [not included]. I hope it is satisfactory for your use. Since it would give me great pleasure to meet you personally, I am extending an invitation to you to attend the show "A Play for the Devil", in which I am currently appearing; any Saturday or Sunday. When you advise me of the date that you can attend, I will arrange to leave two tickets, in you name, at the box office. You may reach me at my home telephone. I am enclosing a copy of the program [not included]. I wish you the best in the New Year. Sincerely". Actress Zypora Spaisman (1916-2002) worked for many years in her native Poland as a midwife, delivering hundreds of children all through World War II; she turned to acting after she immigrated to United States in 1954. Spaisman was closely associated with the Folksbiene Yiddish Theatre in New York City, helping to keep it running for over 40 years, and eventually founded her own Yiddish Public Theatre in 1998. Her most well-known role was that of Sheva Haddas in Paul Mazursky's film Enemies, a Love Story (1989). A documentary about Spaisman and her Yiddish Public Theater titled Yiddish Theatre: A Love Story (2006) was released to much acclaim. 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. Creased throughout. Toned. Corners worn. Lightly stained. Otherwise, fine condition.