{"value"=>"<p>Subseries 1 and 2 document, primarily, Papp's theatrical activity before the founding of the Shakespeare Festival. Subseries 3 contains Papp's extensive hand-written notes on <span class=\"title\">Hamlet</span> (which he directed in 1964, 1968, and 1982) as well as several heavily annotated Shakespeare volumes from his personal bookshelf.</p> <p>Much of the material in Subseries 4 through 9 was assembled by Serge Mogilat, director of the NYSF Archives Office, who was asked by Papp in 1977 to document his thinking and decision-making process. The Archives Office kept \"clean copies\" of Papp's writings for his personal reference. Subseries 10 includes correspondence sent to Joseph Papp upon the death of his son Tony and good wishes following Papp's own diagnosis of cancer. There are get-well cards from many notable figures in theatre and film. The bulk of the condolences are notes to Gail Merrifield Papp following her husband's death in October, 1991.</p> <p>This grouping of personal papers represents but a small portion of the information about Joseph Papp that can be found in the Collection. It should be examined alongside Series I for insight into Papp's life and working process. Series I contains 304 boxes originating from Papp's office, and should be consulted for such items as memoranda, meeting minutes, correspondence, and Papp's writing in general. Series VIII Archives Office contains biographical information on Papp.</p>"}