THE FATHER OF MODERN ACTING, STEELE MACKAYE ON THE DIFFICULTIES THAT BESET A YOUNG DRAMATIC AUTHOR STEELE MACKAYE (James Morrison, 1842-1894, American Playwright, Actor, Manager and Inventor)

Fine Autograph Letter Signed to Arthur Levy asking “how many experimental attempts I may have made, in my earliest study of the Art of play writing, I do not now recall - as many years have passed since I began this work. The first play I ever presented to any management was accepted. The object of your enquiry is, doubtless, to learn what the chances of a beginner in this line of endeavour usually are. This is difficult to determine. No art is mastered except by deep study, and patient practice. This takes time. We learn by failure how to succeed and he who has the undaunted will to work through failure, to a more enlightened attempt ultimately manifests that species of manhood which is the very substance of true genius...”, 2 sides 8vo., on separate sheets, New York, 17th November

Having acted, written, directed and produced numerous and popular plays and theatrical spectaculars of the day, he became one of the most famous actors and theatre producers of his generation.
By 1885, MacKaye had established three theatres in New York City: the St. James, Madison Square and the Lyceum Theatre. For the Chicago World's Fair of 1893, he began to construct a theatre capable of seating 10,000 people—the "Spectatorium"—but the Panic of 1893 deprived the project of necessary funds. The project was left incomplete. He was widely known for being an innovator in theatre technology. He patented and invented more than 100 inventions for use on stage.
Steele MacKaye, is probably the greatest unknown theatre inventor, playwright, designer, teacher, innovator and impresario ever. By many authorities of the stage was called the "Father of Modern Acting." Between 1872-1894 he wrote thirty plays and acted in seventeen different roles.

Item Date:  1887

Stock No:  42537      £175

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