WARD, Genevieve, & Richard Whiteing.

Inquire · Offered by Peter Harrington

Both Sides of the Curtain. First edition, first impression, signed by the author above the half-title "to my dear friends the three Vedrennes souvenir affectueux Genevieve Ward". This book is inscribed to John Eugene Vedrenne (1867-1930), a theatre producer best known for premiering several of Bernard Shaw's plays, including John Bull's Other Island, and potentially two other family members. The front pastedown is with a later ownership inscription dated "17.5.1928" of Audrey Cameron, an actress within her own right who appeared in several films in the 1930s. Genevieve Ward (1837-1922) was a Russian soprano who transitioned into stage acting due to concerns for her voice. She toured Australia as an actress and, on her 84th birthday, was appointed Honorary Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire. Ward co-wrote this work with journalist Richard Whiteing. They met after Whiteing wrote a lengthy review on Ward's debut performance. The pair became close friends, with Ward writing, "[our friendship] shall certainly never end but with my life" (p. 59).

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