293 - ROSTAND (Edmond), 1868–1918.

ROSTAND (Edmond), 1868–1918. Letter from the author, “Edmond Rostand,” Arnaga, Cambo (Basses-Pyrénées), undated, 1 p. and ½ in-8, [to Jules Claretie, general administrator of the Comédie-Française]. An interesting letter on the genesis of *Chantecler*, in which Rostand envisions its premiere at the Comédie-Française while reaffirming his absolute loyalty to Coquelin. As rumors circulate in the press regarding which theater will stage the premiere of his new play, Rostand very frankly states his position. Charles Le Bargy asked him if he would not prefer to see Coquelin return to the Comédie-Française rather than perform *Chantecler* at the Gaîté: ““I have never seen, and will never see, anyone but Coquelin in *Chantecler*,”” he replied, while acknowledging that he would like to see the great actor devote the final years of his career to “fine classical productions on the national stage.” Rostand would even be willing to sacrifice the financial benefits of a commercial theater: if Coquelin agreed to return to the Français, “I would gladly have foregone the greater number of performances that the Gaîté guarantees me.” But his loyalty to the man for whom he created the character remains unwavering: “I will do nothing to force Coquelin’s hand. The play, whenever I choose to stage it, will be his, and he will perform it wherever he wishes.” He thus categorically denies the reports that have appeared in the press: “I don’t know what the newspapers are saying—I haven’t read them in a long time—but any other version is false.” And, while admitting to his correspondent that the acting, staging, and “atmosphere” of the Comédie-Française would be more to his taste, he concludes unequivocally: “I will not withdraw my play from Coquelin, who, incidentally, is the only one capable of playing the lead role.” This document is particularly revealing of the hesitations that surrounded the early fate of *Chantecler* and of Rostand’s extraordinary loyalty to Constant Coquelin, for whom he had already written *Cyrano de Bergerac*. Coquelin’s sudden death in January 1909 ultimately derailed these plans: Lucien Guitry would ultimately play the role during the play’s premiere in February 1910 at the Théâtre de la Porte-Saint-Martin. Also included, from the same source: - an L.A.S. (airmail postcard) “Edmond Rostand,” undated (postmark July 5, 1901, Paris), 1 p., in-12, addressed to Mrs. Henry Fouquier. “I was touched by the account of the ‘lovely gesture your Henriette has just made.’ Valentine must have told you how much we loved this kind and brave love, and how much the poetic simplicity of this devotion had charmed us.” They are very happy for their happiness, and he congratulates “with all his heart the fiancé who, through his vibrant and refined soul and his delicate pride, deserves to walk through life alongside beauty.” - A set of 3 signed autograph calling cards (expressions of thanks and recommendations) and 3 signed autograph cards with black borders (expressions of thanks and apologies).