[ Eugène Ionesco, 'Theatre of the Absurd' playwright. ] Typescripts of two translations of his plays by Donald Watson: the 'original text' of 'The Bald Prima Donna. A Pseudo-Play in one act', and 'The Motor Show'.

Watson's translation of 'La Cantatrice Chauve' (1950) was first published in London by Calder in 1958, and his version of 'Le Salon de l'Automobile' (1951) by the same publisher in the fifth volume of Ionesco's plays in 1963. The two scripts typed in uniform style, on rectos of leaves, and stapled together. ONE: 'The Bald Prima Donna'. 19pp., 8vo. In good condition, on aged paper, with somewhat-appropriate child's markings in black ink on blank parts of first page. Introductory note by Watson: 'First acted in Paris by the Company of Nicolas Bataille at the Theatre des Noctambules and the Theatre de la Huchette. Nicolas Bataille made several alterations in this, the original text, for his production. One or two of these alterations have been noted. Several other small changes were made by the author in the text published by Gallimard.' Includes 'Translator's note' regarding the phrase 'Il s'emmerde.' TWO: 'The Motor Show'. 5pp., 8vo. In good condition, on aged paper. Translator's note: 'THE MOTOR SHOW, called in French "Le Salon de l'Automobile", was broadcast in March 1952 by the Club d'Essai de la Radiodiffusion Francaise.'