Item 223 - Letter from Mona Benson to R. C. Trevelyan

1 item.

39 Bruntsfield Place, Edinburgh. - Cannot carry on with the production of [Trevelyan and Tovey's opera] "The Bride of Dionysus": has tried to adapt her ideas to 'the existing conditions in the [Edinburgh] Opera Company', but finds it impossible. Attendance at rehearsals has been 'very irregular'; the 'Athenian castes are not yet decided upon' so she has not been able to rehearse the second act with the right people; would prefer it not to be produced this year at all 'much less be responsible for the production'. If the production goes ahead as planned, she is happy for any of her ideas to be used, but must 'definitely ceased to be connected with the production'. Went through the whole of the second act with those who were there at the rehearsal tonight, and plans to repeat 'the worst bits' tomorrow night, so that the act 'will be more or less shaped in the minds of those who have attended' before she leaves the company. No floor rehearsal next week. Is very sorry but feels she cannot do otherwise; hopes Trevelyan understands; has written the same letter to Professor Tovey.