Summary Information
Ronald Tavel Papers
1958-1973
U.S. Mss 173AN
0.8 c.f. (2 archives boxes)
Wisconsin Historical Society Archives / Wisconsin Center for Film and Theater Research Contact Information
Wisconsin Historical Society (Map)
Papers of Ronald Tavel, poet, lyricist, and writer of avant-garde plays and motion pictures. Included are manuscript drafts of a novel Street of Stairs (1968) and copies of three plays including his three-act verse Christina's World (1958).
English
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.uw-whs-us0173an ↑ Bookmark this ↑
Biography/History
Ronald Tavel, writer, lyricist, and poet, was born in New York City in May 1941. He attended Brooklyn College and the University of Wyoming.
His first published work Christina's World, a three act verse play, was published in 1958. Among his other theater productions are Gorilla Queen, Kitchenette, The Life of Juanita Castro, Screen Test, Secrets of the Citizens Correction Committee, Shower, and Vinyl Visits an FM Station. His plays have been produced by leading avant-garde troupes throughout the world, among them the Caffe Cino, American Place Theatre, and the Theatre of the Ridiculous (which he founded in July 1965). Tavel has written the scenarios for various films produced and directed by Andy Warhol, notably Harlot, Suicide, Horse, Space, Withering Sights, and The Chelsea Girls. In addition he has published articles and essays on film and poetry and a novel, Street of Stairs.
He is currently a lecturer for the New York State Council on the Arts.
Scope and Content Note
The papers are primarily composed of drafts and scripts of Tavel's writings and are arranged in two series: Novel and Theater. Included are drafts of his novel Street of Stairs; scripts from three of his plays, Canticle of the Nightingale, Christina's World, and How Jacqueline Kennedy Became Queen of Greece; and a playbill for The Life of Lady Godiva.
Administrative/Restriction Information
Placed on deposit by Ronald Tavel, New York, New York, 1974. Accession Number: MCHC74-5
Processed by Alice Siemering and Christine Rongone, January 1977.
Contents List
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Series: Novel
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Street of Stairs (Published. New York: Olympia Press, 1968)
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Box
1
Folder
1
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Random pages of early drafts
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Box
1
Folder
2-5
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Original, last manuscript draft, pp. 1-676
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Original, final typescript,
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Box
1
Folder
6
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pp. 1-200
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Box
2
Folder
1-3
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pp. 201-813
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Series: Theater
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Canticle of the Nightingale
: Produced by The Extension, N.Y., Arenas of Lutetia, 1968. Performed in Stockholm, Sweden, Cleobis and Bito, 1973.
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Box
2
Folder
4
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Script, “The Emperor's Nightingale,” annotated, circa 1964
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Christina's World
: Produced. Specific production information unknown.
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Box
2
Folder
5
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Script, 1958
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How Jacqueline Kennedy Became Queen of Greece
: Produced, 1973. Other production information unknown.
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Box
2
Folder
6
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Script, “(How She Became) Queen of Greece,” 1973
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The Life of Lady Godiva
: Play-House of the Ridiculous, 1966.
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Box
2
Folder
7
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Playbill, 1966
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