ARTAUD (Antonin). Lot n° 27

Autograph letter signed to Cécile Denoël. 2 p. in-4. [early February 1935]. Beautiful and vibrant letter about Artaud's most famous and best theatrical production: Les Cenci. It will be premiered on May 6, 1935 at the Folies Wagram with sets and costumes by Balthus. I bring you the "Cenci" and ask you to read them until tomorrow. The role that I have in mind for you is that of Lucretia. Do not take into account the pencil cuts. It is not me who made them. Read the role and try to assimilate it without worrying about these erasures. Things are coming together beautifully. We talked at length last night, until three in the morning, this person*, Balthus and I. There will be a Piranese-style setting, but gleaming, blood purple and sapphire blue, of which I gave a quick sketch to Balthus, who will add his own plastic ideas. The person will leave for London to get two hundred thousand francs. We are in the middle of a miracle. I'll talk to you about all this tomorrow at noon. But please don't mention it. *Lady Iya Abdy, beautiful and rich Englishwoman, obtained a role, that of Beatrice, in the play by bringing a contribution to its financing, as also - of the remainder - Cecile Denoël!