Correspondence with Rod Bladel

1980-1982

Playwright Mary Drayton, born in Hope, Arkansas, turned to writing after a car accident ended her acting career. Her plays DEBUT (1956) and PLAYROOM (1965) were produced on Broadway. She also wrote SALT OF THE EARTH, BUILD ME A BRIDGE, DUCKS IN A ROW, and a novel, ALL OUR SECRETS. The collection concerns the world premiere of DUCKS IN A ROW, performed at Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pa. in 1981 as THREE LINKS OF CHAIN. It is primarily letters by Drayton to the play's director, Rod [Roderick] Bladel, discussing casting, script changes, the Allentown production, and efforts to get the play produced elsewhere. The collection also contains pre-rehearsal notes, sheet music, and programs.