Caligula (Original English language script for the 1944 play)

N.p.: N.p., 1940. Draft English language script of Camus' 1944 play. Ribbon copy typescript on onionskin, circa 1940s, largely faithful to the 1947 Stuart Gilbert English translation, "Caligula and Cross Purpose," but with modifications made apparently for a smaller production. The adaptation includes the removal of incidental characters (patricians, knights, poets, guards, and servants), with their dialogue frequently merged with that of secondary characters, the creation of an added "porch" set piece, utilized to retain some dialogue otherwise lost, the simplification or removal of more elaborate set pieces, and other minor editorial changes.

No information regarding the date or location of the production (or intended production), nor the translator or editor of this typescript, is known.

Begun in 1938, and subject to numerous revisions, "Caligula" was finally published in 1944 by Editions Gallimard, first jointly with "The Misunderstanding," then alone later the same year. Part of Camus' "Cycle of the Absurd," with the 1942 novel "The Stranger," and the 1942 essay "The Myth of Sisyphus." The play premiered at the Theatre-Hebertot, Paris, September 9, 1945, directed by Paul Oettly, starring Gerard Philipe, Michel Bouquet, and Margo Lion.

Caligula (third Roman Emperor Gaius Julius Germanicus), after having been missing for three days following the death of his sister and lover Drusilla, returns with a belief in 'absolute logic,' which incurs the humiliation, torture and murder of as many men and women as he can, seeking 'total freedom,' and leading to his own assassination.

Set in 41 AD Rome.

Beige title wrappers. Title page present, with credits for playwright Albert Camus. 80 leaves, with last page of text numbered IV--19. Ribbon copy typescript on onionskin, rectos only. Pages, 5.5 x 8.5 inches, Near Fine, with light wrinkling on first two leaves, wrapper, 6.5 x 9.5 inches, Very Good plus with splitting on bottom half of spine, bound internally with three gold brads. (Inventory #: 149802)