Marius Sznajderman designs for Circle in the Square and French Art Theatre

ca. 1918-1960 [bulk 1950-1958]

Marius Sznadjerman was born in Paris in 1926. He escaped to Spain with his parents in 1942, moving to Venezuela where he attended the School of Fine Arts in Caracas. After moving to the United States in 1949, Sznajderman studied at Columbia University with scenic designer Woodman Thompson and printmaker Hans Mueller, receiving both a B.F.A. and M.F.A. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953-1955 and has taught at several universities, including New York University, School of Visual Arts and Fairleigh Dickinson University. Sznajderman has also had numerous exhibitions of his work over several decades. Over 350 original designs, principally for sets (mostly color), floor plans, and studies created by Marius Sznajderman for Circle in the Square Theatre and the French Art Theatre in the 1950s. The collection also contains production and research notes, as well as publicity material and posters. There are also some publicity materials for Circle in the Square, programs, fliers, and postcards for individual productions, blueprints, elevations, as well as a number of black and white photographs. Also included are costume designs (possibly for The firebrand, ca. 1924), several sketches, a sketchbook with notes, ca. 1918-ca. 1924, by noted stage designer Woodman Thompson, perhaps related to Sznajderman's research for the play Ludus Coventriae. In addition to Sznajderman's set designs, studies, floor plans, and production notes for the French Art Theatre, New York City (Eve Daniel, director), there are subscription letters and 7 posters, ca. 1951-1958.