DL/A-Z//CHAMBERS - [Correspondence with Colin Chambers, RSC Barbican Theatre]

DL/A-Z//CHAMBERS

File

[Correspondence with Colin Chambers, RSC Barbican Theatre]

1986

2 Letters (typescript)

Chambers, Colin
Lessing, Doris May, 1919-2013

2 items, highlighted. Discusses the history of the Unity Theatre and references in Lessing's work to left-wing theatres. Makes an implied reference to communism and left-wing politics ("a Red").

DL/AZ/CHAMBERS/001 [from Colin Chambers, literary manager at RSC, to Doris Lessing, 13/03/1986]

Letter, 1 leaf, typed.
Writes that he is producing a written history of Unity Theatre and asks if any of Lessing's literary references to left-wing theatre was based on Unity. Asks if Lessing has any memories of Unity Theatre that she would be willing to share with him.

DL/A-Z//CHAMBERS/002 [from Doris Lessing to Colin Chambers, 25/02/1986]

Letter, 1 leaf, typed.
Writes that The Red Cockerel was based more on Stratford East rather than Unity. Mentions Joan Littlewood and Kenneth Tynan. Mentions Don Odgen Stuart's 'The Kidders'. Writes that Unity was "very well-known in left wing circles all over the world". Mentions her time in Southern Rhodesia and the war, and refers to herself in that period as a "Red", suggesting her left-wing political position. References the Communist Party.