Ethyl Eichelberger’s Casanova

Photomechanical reproduction with holograph in blue ink signed “Barb” likely in the hand of Barbara Wise. 8 1/2 x 11 in. Very good; horizontal lines from folding in thirds, bumping at edges and corners, minor toning at center. Item #7181

Promotional flyer for legendary multi-hyphenate performer Ethyl Eichelberger’s “Casanova,” one of their many plays reinterpreting historical and literary figures, as part of the Visiting Artist Series at the Performing Garage. Includes a personal note, “Hi! Hope you can come,” from Barb, (aka Barbara Wise, one of the actors).

The flyer also promotes “Ethyl as ‘Leer,’” which was performed as the opening act for “Casanova.” In this raucous solo retelling Shakespeare’s “King Lear” Ethyl played all the characters and provided accompaniment on the accordion, concertina, and piano.

Ethyl Eichelberger was a classically trained actor, playwright, drag artist, and musician whose flamboyant performances earned them critical acclaim and a loyal following in the downtown New York theater scene of the 1970s and 80s for their vast repertory of characters and circus-like performances. They wrote and performed more than 30 plays about strong women from literature, history, and myth, including Lucrezia Borgia, Medusa, and Mary Todd Lincoln. Performing both male and female roles with equal exuberance, they also enacted a series of male characters, such Casanova and King Leer, the subjects of this flyer.

The alligator showgirls are a fabulous touch!

Price: $750.00