Two Typed Letters Signed to Andre Bay, Expressing her Dissatisfaction with his French translation of the Member of the Wedding

McCullers, Carson

Edité par Circa 1955, Nyack-on-the- Hudson, 1955

Two typed letters signed on three leaves of McCullers' printed letterhead, each measuring 5 3/4" x 7 1/2" Old folds, one leaf with a small marginal chip, else about fine. Two letters on Andre Bay, translator and adaptor to the French theatre of her play The Member of the Wedding expressing dissatisfaction with the translation and her "decision to withold approval of the present text". It seems that Bay was under the impression she had approved the translation, and had moved forward with production, including selecting a cast. Both letters to "Dear Andre" maintain a tone that is both polite and friendly, but unyielding were artistic matters are concerned. Bay must have sent a strongly worded letter when he found out the the translation had not been approved, as McCullers' first letter begins: "Your last letters have left me feeling as if I have two heads and a black heart. My mirror and my conscience tell me that this is not true." McCullers goes on to state her case: "First of all, I have no recollection of having approved this translation.Since I neither read or understand French well enough for such a purpose. I realy don't see how it could have been reported to you that I had 'Heard' the French text and approved of it.I arrived at my decision to withhold approval of the present text after having it read by a French girl who is a close friend of mine, who is quite familiar with all my work.Her opinion was that [it] was too literal and that it was lacking in poetry and grace." She closes graciously and apologetically, writing that, "far from slapping your face" she is having the text read again by an even more quaified individual. She expresses regret that Bay had "proceeded thus far with [his] business arrangements before seeking [her] approval of this present text," but confidence that everything will be 'ironed out to our mutual satisfaction." The second letter, sent about a week later, likely in response to another letter from Bay, notes "please know that my every effort, including this note, is directed, these days towards a resolution of this problem which will protect your interests and my literary reputation." She cites Janet Flanner's opinion that the French dialogue is "lacking in the poetry which stems from their special language "along with other criticisms, in some detail, she goes on to write "We are not objecting to the faithfulness of the translation but to the spirit of the translation. I want to say here, Andre, that I never compromised my artistic judgment on Broadwayand I cannot bring myself to make allowances for any other first class production." McCullers writes that perhaps Albert Camus ad Maurice Coindreau might be "persons who might do the small amount of work still required". In the final paragraph, she expresses regret that she was not consulted about the cast, but has decided to look forward instead of backward. A production of The Member of the Wedding, translated by Andre Bay and William Hope, premiered at the Theatre Alliance Francaise in Decemeber 1958. Josyane Savigneau, in Carson McCuller: a Life notes that the play had an extremely brief run [[and] garnered only crtitcal rather than popular acclaim." She also notes, "the conflict put an end to the congenial relations between Andre Bay and Carson."(p279). Interestingly, Savigneau seems to agree with Bay's description of events: Composed by Bay, the script had originally been approved by Carson. Now she was suddenly dissatisfied with it" p279. Two incisive letters from the pen of a major writer whose significant correspondence seldom appears in the marketplace, shedding light on the difficulties of international artistic collaboration, and her refusal to compromise her artistic judgment. N° de réf. du vendeur 47806

Détails bibliographiques

Titre : Two Typed Letters Signed to Andre Bay, ...
Éditeur : Circa 1955, Nyack-on-the- Hudson
Date d'édition : 1955
Etat : Very good
Signé : Signé par l'auteur