Description
Typed letter signed, two pages, 8,5 x 11 inch, `The Actors` Studio, Inc.` stationery, New York, 30.12.1950, to theater and film director Joshua Logan (1908-1988) - appealing for a donation to The Actors` Studio, signed in blue ballpoint ink "Elia Kazan - additionally signed by Lee Strasberg, Cheryl Crawford, and Dorothy Willard", with two horizontal letter folds, and small staple holes to the upper left corner - in fine condition.
In parts:
"[...] Our only purpose has been to make it possible for the talented young actors in our town to go on working, to provide them with a craft home. Has the Actors' Studio done this? People like Mildren Dunnock, Karl Malden, Joan McCracken, Kim Hunter, Thelma Schnee, Lou Gilbert, William Hansen, Margaret Phillips, Mary Welch and others too do consider it their home in the Theatre. They use it that way. Marlon Brando, when he finished his recent picture told the press: 'I'm going back home to work at the Actors' Studio.' The fact is that 1697 Broadway has become a real home for a whole up and coming generation of young actors. [...]
But now three years have passed and it seems that if we do collapse, someone would have to start over again and do exactly what we have been doing. The need can't be denied. [...]
So we are asking you, Helen Bonfils, Howard Cullman, Robert Dowling, Leland Hayward, Oscar Hammerstein, Bea Lawrence, Joshua Logan, Mary Martin, Gilbert Miller, Joseph Verner Reed, Richard Rogers, Billy Rose, Jack Seidman, Irene Selznick, . . . if you will promise to assign a thousand dollars a year for three years to this organization. [...]"
Further Information on the person
Profession:
(1909-2003) American director, producer, writer and actor
Year of Birth: 1909
Elia Kazan was a Greek-American film and stage director, producer, screenwriter, and actor who was born on September 7, 1909, in Istanbul, Turkey. Kazan had a prolific career in Hollywood and on Broadway, known for his groundbreaking work in both film and theater.
After immigrating to the United States with his family as a young child, Kazan attended Williams College and later studied drama at the Yale School of Drama. He began his career in the theater, working for the Group Theatre in New York City alongside luminaries such as Lee Strasberg and Stella Adler.
Kazan made his film directorial debut in 1945 with the film "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn," which was met with critical acclaim. He went on to direct such classic films as "On the Waterfront," "A Streetcar Named Desire," and "East of Eden," all of which earned him multiple Academy Award nominations.
Throughout his career, Kazan faced controversy for his cooperation with the House Un-American Activities Committee during the Red Scare of the 1950s. He named names of suspected communists in Hollywood, leading to the blacklisting of many of his colleagues.
Despite the controversy, Kazan continued to produce influential work in both film and theater and was awarded multiple honors, including three Academy Awards and four Tony Awards. He passed away on September 28, 2003, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the entertainment industry.
Elia Kazan's impact on American cinema and theater is undeniable, with his bold storytelling and innovative direction setting a new standard for the arts. His willingness to take risks and push boundaries made him a true pioneer in the industry, and his work continues to inspire filmmakers and theater artists to this day.
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