Ernst Toller

1. Lambolle Road,

London N. W. 3.

November 7th, 1934.

Dear Mr. Doran,

I thank you for your letter and the kind invitation. I was surprised, that just one hour after receiving your letter I was rung up by a correspondent of the Manchester Evening News who asked me, which play I would have put on the stage. I answered that I had not yet decided, but it would probably be “The blind Goddess”. I did not say anything definite and I hope, he has understood me.

The fee you offered me is really not too exaggerated, if I should not understand this offer so that I may charge besides the fee my travelling and hotel expenses.

About the play I did not quite make up my mind. “The Machine Wreckers” would require too much cast and too much technical apparatus. Do you have a rotating stage? (Drehbühne?)

Perhaps “Draw the fires” would be the best, a play till now unknown in England. I shall send you a copy in a few days. If your agree you have to get the agreement of Lord Chamberlain.

The first scene in this play will make the most technical difficulty. It plays in the stokerooms of a battleship near Denmark. But I think it could be done. I could give you some suggestions.

Do you come to London in the next time, that we could talk about particulars?

Yours faithfully

8. 11.

I have forgotten in my letter yesterday to tell your about the dates. I would suggest Christmas or the middle of January.

Would that be convenient for you?