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Creator
Condell, H. A. (Heinz A.)
Call number
*T-Mss 1952-001
Physical description
2.5 linear feet(5 boxes)
Language
Early correspondence is in German
Preferred Citation
H. A. Condell papers, Billy Rose Theatre Division, The New York Public Library
Repository
Billy Rose Theatre Division
Access to materials
Request an in-person research appointment.

H. A. Condell was a stage and costume designer in Germany and in the United States. He received his early training under the notable Max Reinhardt and his early work was under the auspices of the Berlin Civic Opera and the non-Aryan theater (also known as the Jewish Kulterbund), of which he was co-founder. Condell emigrated to the United States in 1938. His first major production after emigrating was SAINT JOAN directed by Erwin Piscator and starring Luise Rainer. In 1944 he began his affiliation with the New York City Opera which continued until his death in 1951. Besides working as a designer, Condell also taught stage design at the Dramatic Workshop and the Technical Institute where he was art director under Erwin Piscator. The H.A. Condell Papers consist of correspondence, contracts, publicity and promotional materials. His papers reflect Condell's professional career as a stage and costume designer for opera and theater in Germany and the United States from 1929 until his death.

Scope and arrangement

The H. A. Condell papers are arranged in four series:

  • Series I: Correspondence

    This series contains correspondence of H. A. Condell and Luba B. Condell. H. A. Condell's correspondence deals strictly with business matters. Luba B. Condell's correspondence relates concern for her husbands deteriorating health and deals with the donation of her husband's papers and designs.

  • Series II: Contracts

    Included in this series are United Scenic Artists contracts. The contracts are arranged chronologically in the following three groups: (1). Designing Artists Contracts (1944-1950), (2). Official Stock Contracts (1943-1947), and (3). Theatrical Costume Designers Contracts (1944-1950). Contracts contain date, production title, fee, and union regulations. A majority of the contracts deal with opera productions for the New York City Opera.

  • Series III: Publicity & Promotional career

    This series includes magazine and newspaper articles complimenting Condell's stage and costume designs, and brochures used to publicize his teaching career.

  • Series IV: Designs

    Included in this series are Condell's costume and stage designs for theatrical productions (opera and ballet designs are housed in their respective divisions - see separation sheets).

Administrative information

Source of acquisition

Gift, Luba Condell, 1978

Related Material

Condell Papers and Designs

Using the collection

Location

Billy Rose Theatre Division
New York Public Library for the Performing Arts, Dorothy and Lewis B. Cullman Center
40 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY 10023-7498
Third Floor

Conditions Governing Use

Permission required for duplication