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Translation
"Dearest Arnold, What a long time ago I should have answered your letter! but the work here is arduous and there are a multitude of things to do. The tour goes well-'Lady of the L' & 'Duel' splendidly but '12th Night' despite of rave notices simply does not attract them - I think that they have had some pretty fearful local productions which put them off for good! The South American tour seems likely after New Zealand. I read in the N.Y. Times that Zefferelli plans a production of the 'Lady of the L'for next season but as there seems to be no sponsor as yet or any script do you think it is really likely to come about?...I adore playing the part & there is no doubt that the audiences are completely enthralled - but it is no use thinking the play itself is even going to get good notices from the critics...profitable changes but the story is old-fashioned and there's an end to it - Do write me about the..."fiddler"...fascinating...island about...play - the rumours...are...Hope...not a word has anyone heard - & Alan is unaccountably silent. I am getting very homesick for England & for that matter...I hope all goes very well with you. Much love to you all - Vivien"
Information on this Letter
Vivien wrote this letter while on tour in Australia to her attorney/agent in New York. The stamp receipt is by his office (Dec 4, 1961). She is fearing that though she is getting good reviews, people are not coming because of past poor productions.
During this time, she was being pursured by Australian millionaire, Sir Ernest Davis. The Zefferelli mentioned in this letter is Franco Zefferelli, noted for his staging of operas and plays in major cultural centers such as New York, London and Milan.