BECKETT, Samuel. Autograph Letter Signed from Beckett to Deryk [Mendel] (1920-2013), a British ballet dancer, choreographer, actor and director, and friend of Beckett.

"Prepare yourself for a handkerchief in the desert. Sorry. Indispensable. Shall explain"

Headed “Ussy-sur-Marne / 29.9.56.” One page, quarto, written in blue ink on thin laid paper. Beckett wrote the short play Act Without Words I in 1956 for Mendel and the dancer first performed the mime at the Royal Court Theatre in London on 3rd April 1957. A friendly and characteristic letter written from Beckett’s home at Ussy-sur-Marne to his close friend Derek. He also mentions; Suzanne Deschevaux-Dumesnil (1900-1989) French pianist, the lover and later wife of Samuel Beckett. Jacques Hébertot (1886-1970) French theatre director, poet, journalist and publisher and Roger Blin (1907-1984) French actor and director who staged the world premieres of Samuel Beckett´s Waiting for Godot in 1953 and Endgame in 1957. Beckett states that he is not sure when he will be back in Paris, although informs his correspondent that “Suzanne will be there next week and would very much like to see you. She invites you to dine with her next Thursday Oct 4th and - unless she hears from you to the contrary - will call for you at your place that evening at 8 o´clock. I hope I shall be with her, but it is not sure”, further writing “There seems to be a fair chance, judging by the latest not very recent news, of our jolly evening´s entertainment being accepted by Hébertot - after the Italian play which is not expected to run very long. But I have been here a week now without news and perhaps you know more about it all than I do. The vagueness of Blin and Hébertot combined is too much for me and the best I can do is to stay here digging holes until someone gives me a paper to sign. If you can extract anything remotely clear from anyone I should be grateful if you would give me a ring here.” Also adding that he has received no news from John “I sent him the Monde blurb in which we were all mentioned” and concluding somewhat cryptically, “Prepare yourself for a handkerchief in the desert. Sorry. Indispensable. Shall explain”. He comments on the current situation in France: “There seems to be a fair chance of our finally electing a new Parliament, giving rise to the Italian play of government.” The letter closes with Beckett’s typical blend of irony and modest warmth: “We are digging in for the winter here, me at proofs and typing. Very good luck with your project if it’s started.” In a postscript Beckett explains that Suzanne will be at the Carrotry on Rue de l´Abbaye on Tuesday at 9pm in case that suits him better than Thursday. Some very minor creasing to folds. In fine condition.

“And the Best I Can Do Is to Stay Here Digging Holes”

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