Description:

Leigh Vivien 1913 - 1967

Vivien Leigh writes about plays, and looking for a suitable role in London theatre.

Single page TLS on off-white stationery, 5.75" x 7.75". Dated May 7, 1966, and signed by Vivien Leigh as "Vivien Leigh". Right and lower edges slightly discolored, else near fine condition.

Vivien Leigh writes a letter to her close friend, Joyce Huddart. One can assume that Leigh met Joyce while acting in London theaters. Joyce was head of wardrobe and also participated as stage crew for the London Tower Theatre, and the two corresponded regularly over a period of many years. Vivien Leigh's ultimate passion was for theater roles. She was quoted as saying: "I'm not a film star - I'm an actress. Being a film star - just a film star - is such a false life, lived for fake values and for publicity. Actresses go on for a long time and there are always marvelous parts to play."

This letter to Joyce was written during the run of "Ivanov", Vivien's last stage play appearance. The revival of this play would open May 3rd, 1966 at the Shubert Theatre in New York City and run for only 47 performances. The letter reflects Vivien's love of acting as well as her continued concerns about how she is reviewed by the media. The letter also demonstrated her tenacity and her desire to return to England: "We have been having wonderful audiences here in New York, and the reviews, except for the Times, have been very fine indeed, so we are hoping for a good season... I am reading plays and trust that I shall find one that I shall do at home". Within a year, Leigh lost her intermittent battle with tuberculous when she passed away on July 7, 1967.

A poignant signed letter to her personal friend, reflecting her strong constitution and passion for her career.

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