Edward Marsh’s first draft manuscript libretto for Wilfred Joseph’s operatic version of Du Maurier’s Rebecca. Adapted as a film by Hitchcock, Du Maurier's classic of romantic fiction boasts one of the great first lines in English literature: 'Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again' and tells the twisted tale of Maxim de Winter, his first wife Rebecca and the housekeeper Mrs Danvers.
In this 77 page notebook (c10,000 words) the librettist for Opera North’s inaugural opera commission from 1983 offers a first draft of his libretto, extensively annotated with directions, explanations of motivation and notes to self: ‘Need this?’ Marsh provides preliminary scene summaries: ‘Max away in London for day... She looks at photo of Rebecca... Sees Mrs D - more about Rebecca - news of the wreck...’ and an early version of the opera libretto itself, capturing the full horror of the story: ‘Mrs D[anvers] The rocks had battered her to bits - her beautiful face unrecognisable, and both arms gone.’
To the rear of the notebook Marsh makes a series of ‘Queries General’ - ‘Finale: How changed should Favell stuff be? Do we want to concentrate on HER?’ and a set of ‘Changes to text 14.8.83.’ as well as notes from ‘Meeting 14 July 1983.’ Altogether a fascinating insight into the creative process.
Edward Marsh (1912-1991) was a writer and broadcaster, bilingual in French and known for his adaptations and translations which included Kazantzakis’s Zorba the Greeka and works by Moliere and Cocteau
DESCRIPTION: Small quarto hard bound in quarter red cloth over boards. Title in manuscript to the upper cover: ‘Rebecca Diary’ with Marsh’s Hampstead address at the tail. Marsh has created a tabbed effect by cutting away the tops of part of the leaves in order to create a three act structure. he writes in black biro with inserted pasteoves and much crossing out. [pp] 77 and c40 blanks. WITH a flyer for ‘The World Premiere of Rebecca. Opera North brings alive the dream of Manderley.
