Stuk 4 - Typed letter from Peter Shaffer to John [Dexter]

7 sheets, 1 env.

173 Riverside Drive, Apt. 16 C, New York, New York 10024 -- A seven page letter in which Shaffer refers to a meeting with Dexter on the Friday before in which Dexter asked why Shaffer was unhappy with him, and sets the reasons on paper. Mentions that the resentment he feels solidified in the New York production of "Equus" and his behaviour towards everyone on that production; completely rejects the idea that "Amadeus" owes its shape to Dexter, mentions an early version as a "sort of detective story involving the vengeful son of a Freemason wronfully [sic] accused of having killed Mozart" which Dexter did not like any more than Shaffer did, so that Shaffer tore up the play and rewrote it on his own. After long reflection, he will ask Peter Hall to direct the play.

Found in an envelope addressed to John Dexter with a letter to Dexter dated 22 May, a confirmation copy of a telegram to Dexter dated 13 June, and a draft of a letter to Marc Berlin.

This letter was returned to Shaffer unopened, according to an undated memo from Shaffer to Marc Berlin. [SHAF B11/1/7].