Nov 5, 2025 10:00 EST
Stage & Screen featuring The Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
54
An original poster for Schneider's return to Waiting for Godot
Collection of American Theater Director Alan Schneider (1917-1984)
SAMUEL BECKETT
Original poster for Waiting for Godot, performed at the Sheridan Square Theatre. New York: [1971]. Black and white printed poster, 13½ x 21½ inches. Minimal surface wear. Not examined out of frame.
Provenance: Collection of Alan Schneider (1917-1984); Following the death of Alan Schneider in 1984, these materials were retained by Schneider’s widow, Eugenie Schneider, who died in the summer of 2025 at 101 years old.
A handsome poster for the 1971 Off-Broadway revival of Waiting for Godot directed by Alan Schneider, "the primary American director of Samuel Beckett's plays." After the disastrous American premiere of Godot in Miami, various productions of the play went on to critical and commercial success without Schneider. The 1971 revival at the Sheridan Square Theatre was a redeeming moment for Schneider. The production was well-reviewed and a popular success. Writing to Beckett at the time of the premiere, Schneider says that "what’s so marvelous is that the play is so clear and immediate, without any gimmicks or nudity or rock and roll music—which lots of people wanted me to use or thought I was going to use. They’re crazy."
Sold for $640
Estimated at $400 - $600
Includes Buyer's Premium
Collection of American Theater Director Alan Schneider (1917-1984)
SAMUEL BECKETT
Original poster for Waiting for Godot, performed at the Sheridan Square Theatre. New York: [1971]. Black and white printed poster, 13½ x 21½ inches. Minimal surface wear. Not examined out of frame.
Provenance: Collection of Alan Schneider (1917-1984); Following the death of Alan Schneider in 1984, these materials were retained by Schneider’s widow, Eugenie Schneider, who died in the summer of 2025 at 101 years old.
A handsome poster for the 1971 Off-Broadway revival of Waiting for Godot directed by Alan Schneider, "the primary American director of Samuel Beckett's plays." After the disastrous American premiere of Godot in Miami, various productions of the play went on to critical and commercial success without Schneider. The 1971 revival at the Sheridan Square Theatre was a redeeming moment for Schneider. The production was well-reviewed and a popular success. Writing to Beckett at the time of the premiere, Schneider says that "what’s so marvelous is that the play is so clear and immediate, without any gimmicks or nudity or rock and roll music—which lots of people wanted me to use or thought I was going to use. They’re crazy."
Auction: Stage & Screen featuring The Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., Nov 5, 2025
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Popular Stage & Screen Auction on November 5, 2025 Attracted Global Audience
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Memorabilia, Autographs, Artwork & Photographs Celebrating Theater, Hollywood, Music and Dance
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Archive of Samuel Beckett Material from the Estate of His American Director Alan Schneider Topped $75,000
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Sale Featured a Special Section Devoted to the Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
NEW YORK, NY -- Doyle's popular Stage & Screen auction on November 5, 2025 attracted fans and collectors around the world vying for an exciting range of offerings celebrating the performing arts of Theater, Hollywood, Music and Dance.
The Estate of Alan Schneider
Featured in the sale was fascinating collection of early Waiting for Godot material from the Estate of Alan Schneider that topped $75,000 amid trans-Atlantic competition. “The primary American director of Samuel Beckett plays” and a close friend of the playwright, Alan Schneider died in 1984, and his widow died at 101 this past summer. This remarkable archive offered an extraordinary glimpse into the creative partnership between Schneider and Beckett, spanning decades of groundbreaking theatrical work. Highlights included Schneider’s annotated working copy of Waiting for Godot used in the landmark American production, an inscribed typescript of Eh Joe, and first editions and presentation copies of Endgame and Happy Days, many personally inscribed to Schneider by Beckett. Other treasures included manuscripts, letters, awards, recordings and posters that document a pivotal collaboration in modern theater history. Read more
The Estate of Douglas Fairbanks, Jr.
Doyle was honored to offer a sequel to the successful 2011 auction of property from the estate of the legendary actor. Featured in the sale were artwork, furniture, photographs and memorabilia. Read More.
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