March 24, 1941:
Native Son opened today.
I had the play go without intermission - which totally stunned the audience - and I didn't have the programs handed out until after the performance. I didn't want the atmosphere to be distrubed by audience members looking over the cast list or rustling the papers.
Just to give up some idea of the reaction to my latest stage wonder:
Richard Wright, the author wrote to Houseman and myself, "let me thank both of you for the energy talent speed and courage which both of your brought to the staging producing and directing of native song stop i have said time and time again and i say now that i feel that native son has been in the hands of the two most gallant men in the theatrical world stop good luck always to both of you stop richard wright."
Sidney Whipple - an old hater of mine - declared, "Native Son proves that Orson Welles, whether you like to admit it or not, is not a boy wonder but actuall the greatest theatrical director of the modern stage."
Brooks Atkinson: "It is as if the theatre has been shaken up and recharged with life."
It is great to be back at the theatre. I am appreciated here, I am loved here, I am respected here.
Why do I want to return to Hollywood?
Native Son opened today.
I had the play go without intermission - which totally stunned the audience - and I didn't have the programs handed out until after the performance. I didn't want the atmosphere to be distrubed by audience members looking over the cast list or rustling the papers.
Just to give up some idea of the reaction to my latest stage wonder:
Richard Wright, the author wrote to Houseman and myself, "let me thank both of you for the energy talent speed and courage which both of your brought to the staging producing and directing of native song stop i have said time and time again and i say now that i feel that native son has been in the hands of the two most gallant men in the theatrical world stop good luck always to both of you stop richard wright."
Sidney Whipple - an old hater of mine - declared, "Native Son proves that Orson Welles, whether you like to admit it or not, is not a boy wonder but actuall the greatest theatrical director of the modern stage."
Brooks Atkinson: "It is as if the theatre has been shaken up and recharged with life."
It is great to be back at the theatre. I am appreciated here, I am loved here, I am respected here.
Why do I want to return to Hollywood?