CURRIMBHOY MSS.
The Currimbhoy mss., ca. 1977–1994, consist of the papers of playwright Asif Currimbhoy, 1928–1994. Currimbhoy was born in Mumbai, India. As a non-practicing Muslim, Currimbhoy laid the foundation of modern Indian drama in the 1950s. Characterized by variety and versatility, he seldom created a structured plot, relying instead on the interaction of the physical action with other dramatic elements like diction, music and spectacle. Many of his characters are societal underdogs from the Mumbai shantytowns or tortured and unwashed untouchables.
The collection includes correspondence between, Currimbhoy and Walter and Ruth Meserve. Also present are four typescript copies of Currimbhoy's plays: "Monsoon (or A Noah's Ark)," "This Alien****Native Land," "The Mandarin Strobe," and "Turkman Gate."
Acquired: 2009 (55 items)
Additions: 2010 (49 items)
Collection size: 104 items
NOTE: Access to this collection requires advance notice. Please contact the Curator of Manuscripts for additional information.