MICHAEL CHEKHOV Actor and director Michael Chekhov signed this typed letter, addressed on Chekhov Theatre Studio letterhead, in 1942 to say that he would direct a production of Mussorgsky's The Fair at Sorochinsk for half his usual fee. Typed letter signed "Michel Chekhov". 1 page, 8½x11, on Chekhov Theatre Studio letterhead. March 31, 1942. In full: "Dear Mr. Kerby: Regarding our conversations about my eventual directing of the opera 'The Fair of Sorochinsk' I wish to tell you frankly that after careful conside-ration I believe this work will take at least six weeks of my time. Normally I would not undertake such a res-ponsible job for less than $500 a week, or for $3,000.- Taking, however, into consideration the artistic, non-commercial character of your enterprise and my own desire to contribute to the artistic side of this Russian opera, I am willing to cut in half my fees and undertake directing for the sum of $1,500 I much regret not being in position to consider any fees less than the above sum. Very truly yours,". This production - which according to our information was billed as The Fair at Sorochinsk - played the Broadway Theatre from Nov. 3 to Dec. 2, 1942. Michael Chekhov (1891-1955) was the nephew of playwright Anton Chekhov and a formidable artist in his own right, earning an Oscar nod for his performance in Alfred Hitchcock's Spellbound (1945). Chekhov was a student of Constantin Stanislavski and his acting system, a forerunner of method acting. He broke with Stanislavski after Russia's October Revolution of 1917 and, in 1928, left Russia for Europe proper (because his productions in his homeland were labeled "alien and reactionary") and then the United States. Chekhov was a brilliant actor but had few credits outside Russia, including had 4 producing and directing credits on Broadway between 1935 and 1942 and over 20 film appearances (mostl... More information available. Please contact us if you have questions. DOCUMENT 19296

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