[Jacob's Pillow.] Shawn, Ted. (1891–1972) & Denis, Ruth St. (1879–1968)
Collection of Signed Programs, Letters, and Ephemera
An interesting collection of signed and unsigned programs, signed letters and other materials relating to the Jacob's Pillow Dance Festival, including signed programs and letters from founders Ted Shawn and Ruth St. Denis, early programs from performances of St. Denis' and Shawn's companies, souvenir programs from the festivals of 1952 to 1970, and other clippings and photographs. Complete contents listed below. In fine condition overall.Souvenir programs: Large group of signed and unsigned souvenir programs from Jacob's Pillow, many signed. Included are souvenir programs from the seasons of 1952 (signed by Shawn, St. Denis, La Meri, Myra Kinch, Nikolai Polajenko, Tatiana Grantzeva, Ralph McWilliams, Richard Stuart and Vanya, and one other) 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1964 (with typewritten program signed by Lotte Goslar and several other typewritten programs from the season), 1968, and 1970 (signed by Joyce Cuoco); an undated souvenir program from a performance of Ted Shawn and his male dancers; the 1964 "Golden Book" souvenir program commemorating Shawn and St. Denis' 50th wedding anniversary, signed by both; a signed souvenir program from a performance by Barton Mumaw, dated July 1947; the publication "How Beautiful Upon the Mountain: A History of Jacob's Pillow" (third edition, 1947); and a brochure for the Campaign for Jacob's Pillow (ca. 1981).
Letters: Typed letter signed from Ted Shawn to Paul McMahon (1 p., September 24, 1962), sending a photograph and giving news of his projects and travel plans; signed card from Ted Shawn [1968] with a printed message of thanks for condolences on Ruth St. Denis' death: "Thank you for your message of love and sympathy. Ruth St. Denis achieve immortality many years ago; and the real Ruth St. Denis is now living and always will be—a valiant crusader for truth, a constructive force battling for beauty, and a healing power for the betterment of all mankind. Ted Shawn." Shawn has added in pen: "Dear Paul [...] and also I thank you for the words about St. Francis. Love 'Papa' Shawn." Together with a handwritten copy of Paul McMahon's condolence letter to Shawn.
Other materials: Three large scrapbook leaves with carefully composed ensembles of programs and clippings about Ted Shawn, Martha Graham, and Uday Shankar, ca. 1933–1934; original programs and brochures from performances of Ruth St. Denis, Ted Shawn and the Denishawn Dancers: at the High School Auditorium in Manchester, NH on January 8, 1923 (brochure and program); at the Boston Opera House on April 11 and 12, [1924] (brochure); at the Practical Arts Auditorium in Manchester on October 22, [1924] and at the Park Theatre in Manchester on April 3, [1925]. Single-sheet program from a performance of Ted Shawn and his ensemble of male dancers on October 28, 1938 in Manchester; brochure for six original Denishawn dances published by G. Schirmer [n.d.]; flyer for a performance of Barton Mumaw at Carnegie Chamber Music Hall; two later reproductions of photographs of Ruth St. Denis in Japanese and Indian costume; four assorted clippings relating to Ted Shawn; a photograph of Liz Thompson at the Jacob's Pillow Gala, 1980; and a vintage account sheet from a printing company.
An important figure in the founding period of modern dance, Ted Shawn founded and performed in the "Denishawn" company with his wife and artistic partner Ruth St. Denis. In 1915 they opened the Denishawn School in Los Angeles; among their many pupils were the great Martha Graham, Doris Humphrey, Lilian Powell, Evan-Burrows Fontaine, and Charles Weidman. In 1931, Shawn and St. Denis purchased the Jacob's Pillow farm in the Berkshires, which became the site of the Jacob's Pillow dance festival.
From the collection of Paul McMahon, a critic, photographer and artist who worked for more than 13 years touring with Marlene Dietrich as the icon’s stage manager, announcer, dresser, secretary and escort, and later spent 25 years as an arts and entertainment reviewer and photographer with Gay Community News, Esplanade, Tommy’s Connection, The Mirror, Bay Windows and other publications. (18181)
Archive Autograph Letter Dance Program, unsigned Signed Document/Item