Jean MARAIS – Set of six letters to his friends. Cocteau and the theater.

Jean MARAIS (1913.1988)

A set of six autograph letters signed to his friends Simone and Maurice Combe.

Eight pages in quarto in total. Various letterheads.

Cabris, Vienna. March 8, 1975, August 3, September 26 and November 20, 1979, March 27, 1980.

"To classify Jean Cocteau's letters (which are undated), I have to reread them. It's very trying. Both painful and moving."

A friendly correspondence from the French actor informing his friends of his theatrical and cinematic activities. Marais mentions an upcoming film by Claude Lelouch in which he is to appear, as well as the recent success of the play King Lear . He also reflects on his emotional experience reading Jean Cocteau's letters.

_____________________________________________________________

Letter I. March 8, 1975

"Dear Maurice, since the photo is black, I wrote the dedication separately. You choose whichever you prefer. Thank you and with all my heart I kiss you and Simone. Jean Marais."

Letter II. August 3, 1979.

"My dear friends, what a beautiful place you are. I'm happy you're in a setting that suits you. I'm thinking of you fondly. The Alcalde went well, but the role seems bland after the monstrous Lear. I'm performing in Cannes in a few days, then in Sète. I'm recovering. Lots of love. Your Jean."

Letter III. September 26, 1979.

"My dearest friends, I'm being very presumptuous: I'm sure you're thinking of me, and with the same tenderness I feel for you. Of course, I'm happy to work something out with Antenne 2 if they want to make arrangements with us. Lelouch's film has been postponed because he hasn't finished his work. So I could have acted now. Cinema will never change, but... I owe it so much! To organize Jean Cocteau's letters (which aren't dated), I have to reread them. It's very trying. Both painful and moving. I'm rereading my own letters too, and I realize my complete ignorance. I've made a little, very little, progress thanks to him and to you. I'm staying in Cabris, waiting for a call. When?... I'm doing pottery. I send you both my warmest regards. Your Jean."

Letter IV. November 20, 1979.

"My dear friends, what a joy it would be to see you if you come to Nice . I will be there and I certainly hope to attend your conference. Perhaps you will come here for dinner, an overnight stay, or lunch? In any case, we will see each other. I have sold Cabris and I am delighted. However, I am staying there until the final deed is signed, that is to say, at the end of March. At the moment, I am feeling lazy; I am mostly tidying up. I think of you, of course, often and with affection. I am spending a lot of time looking for another house, more modest, but where you will always be welcome. I send you much affection. Yours, Jean Marais."

Letter V. March 27, 1980.

"My dearest friends, I'm a very bad and lazy friend, leaving you without any news. I've been in Vienna for over two weeks now, where we're performing 'Les Parents Terribles'. We're here for three weeks. Huge success, packed houses with people standing or sitting on the floor. Incredible! This adventure amazes me. Today I'm doing a book signing at a French bookstore. So I'll be with you for a little while. I'm going back to Cabris on April 1st ^to move. I'll find myself without a house for a while because the other one won't be ready. I hope you are all healthy and happy. Lots of love and hugs. Jean (Marais)."

Letter VI. Undated.

"Dear Maurice, here at last is the little duck that carries my affection for you. Yours, Jeannot Marais."