Nobel Prize–winning Irish dramatist and critic (1856–1950) who takes a place among the most distinguished and influential literary figures of his time. ALS signed “G. Bernard Shaw,” one page both sides, 8 x 10, Berry, Rosscarbery, Co. letterhead, September 18, 1905. Letter addressed to “Arnold, my son,” discussing production and casting details. In full, “Loraine says you were there. Who have you got for Broadbent in John Bull? It all turns on that. Unless he is an irresistibly likeable creature and a first rate comedian, the play will fail. There has been a fearful miscarriage here over ‘Major Barbara. I did not think it was possible to oust Miss Robson from the title part; but Tyler has done it. He spread himself out over the project and wiped it out of the book of life. Now Miss Annie Russell, whom I never saw, has got the part; and Frohman will probably get the play for America. I had the whole thing arranged, dates fixed, cast engaged, interest roused, Miss Robson enthusiastic. But George knew better. He rose to the occasion like a giant gas holder. He would not have my theatre; would not have my cast; would not have my dates; would not allow any English manager more than a 50% interest; would not tolerate the insufferable existence of the insect Vedrenne, who of course was only too glad to get rid of Miss Robson’s large salary and of Tyler, if only the thing could be done without offending me. When Tyler did the needful for him, he jumped for joy; and so, I presume, did Miss Russell. A perfect daisy, is George Tyler.” Eleanor Robson’s London debut came in 1904, with the title role of Israel Zingwill's Merely Mary Ann, which had opened earlier that year in New York, in the Old Madison Square Garden. It was in that role, in London, that she caught the attention of George Bernard Shaw, who wrote the play Major Barbara for her; she never played the title role, as she was committed to a tour of another production at the time and terms could not be agreed with her American manager. She recommended Annie Russell, who finally played the part. Shaw continues his letter with his plans for a production of John Bull, “What you had better do now is to get Miss Robson to play Nora in John Bull. I am told that Henry B. Harris of the Hudson Theatre contemplates a version of Cashel Byron for W. Corbett. If so, I think the New York production - with which I have of course nothing whatever to do; for the book is not copyright, though The Admirable Bashville is - should not be immediately followed by a production of the A. B. Both plays would help each other financially. An opportunity for you or Loraine. You must trump M. & S. [Man and Superman] by an immense success with John Bull. Here J. B. seems inextinguishable: it has revived as merrily as ever.” Shaw’s plays were performed at the Royal Court Theatre under the management of Granville Barker and J.E. Vedrenne. The plays were so successful that between 1904 and 1907 there were 711 performances of eleven of Shaw’s plays. Some of the plays that were performed were John Bull’s other Island, Major Barbara and The Doctor's Dilemma. In fine condition, with intersecting mailing folds, one through first initial of signature. An exceptional Shaw letter, mentioning four of his early works, his disdain for several prominent theatre owners and producers, and his strong adherence to his principles. Auction LOA John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and R&R COA.
