In 1967, shortly after his play, The Birthday Party, opened on Broadway, the great Harold Pinter received a letter from a confused lady who, having recently watched the production, had some questions. Her missive, and Pinter's reply, can be seen below.
(Source: About Pinter; Image: Harold Pinter, via Intelligent Life.)
Dear Sir,
I would be obliged if you would kindly explain to me the meaning of your play, The Birthday Party. These are the points which I do not understand:
1. Who are the two men?
2. Where did Stanley come from?
3. Were they all supposed to be normal?
You will appreciate that without the answers to my questions, I cannot fully understand your play.
Yours faithfully,
[Redacted]
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Dear Madam,
I would be obliged if you would kindly explain to me the meaning of your letter. These are the points which I do not understand:
1. Who are you?
2. Where do you come from?
3. Are you supposed to be normal?
You will appreciate that without the answers to my questions, I cannot fully understand your letter.
Yours faithfully,
Harold Pinter
