Boris Aronson papers and designs, 1923-2000

Links

• View catalog record
• View PDF finding aid (684.36 KB)

Creator

Aronson, Boris, 1900-1980.

Location

Billy Rose Theatre Division

Extent

• 134.5 linear feet (153 boxes)

Scope/Contents Note

The Boris Aronson papers and designs is made up mainly of designs, but also includes production materials, scripts, and other papers. Most of the other series are organized by production name and illustrate Aronson's thought and work processes from beginning to end. Specific materials represented include clippings, programs, scripts, and scrapbooks. The Production Materials series and Designs series include Aronson's early work for the Jewish theater,a unique aspect of this collection. Lisa Aronson's notes throughout the collection provide additional information; she also had a hand in constructing the scrapbooks. Writings in the collection include his short book about Marc Chagall, whose work inspired Aronson's designs for Fiddler on the Roof (1964). There is virtually no personalmaterial in the collection.

Biographical/Historical Note

Kiev-born Boris Solomon Aronson was a prominent twentieth century scenic designer, perhaps best known for his work on Broadway from the 1950s through the mid-1970s. In a career ranging several decades, Aronson won eight Antoinette Perry (Tony) Awards for Best Scenic Design. He came of age during the Russian Revolution, studying art and design at the School of Modern Painting in Moscow. Continuing his education in Paris and Berlin, he wrote a book about his friend, the artist Marc Chagall. In 1923 Aronson emigrated to the United States and began designingsets for New York's Jewish theaters, first with the experimental Unser Theater and later with the Yiddish Art Theater. It was during these years that Aronson developed his theories on stage design: the set should permit variedmovement; each scene should contain the mood of the whole play; and that the setting should be beautiful in its own right. Aronson soon found work in the English-speaking theater and began an affiliation with the Group Theater during the 1930s, working on 11 productions with director Harold Clurman, including Awake and Sing! (1935). In 1943 Lisa Jalowetz, whom Aronson would later marry, became his professional assistant; she continued to assist him throughout his career. The 1950s brought greater recognition of Aronson's talents. Working mainly on dramasduring that decade, he received the Tony Award for Best Design for the 1951-1952 Broadway season for both Season in the Sun (1950) and The Country Girl (1950); he would receive another Tony the following year for The Rose Tattoo (1951). The 1960s brought him widespread acclaim asa designer for musical theater. His notable collaborationswith director Harold Prince, included Fiddler on the Roof (1964), Cabaret (1966), Zorba (1968), Company (1970), Follies (1971), and Pacific Overtures (1976). Aronson alsoworked on ballet designs throughout his career; his final designs were for Baryshnikov's The Nutcracker (1976). Aronson also worked on some costume designs, as well as onpaintings and sculpture; his work was the subject of several exhibitions, especially during the later years of his life.

Controlled Access Terms

• Aronson, Boris, 1900-1980.
• Set designers -- United States.
• Theaters -- Stage-setting and scenery.
• Clippings.
• Programs.
• Scrapbooks.
• Scripts (documents)
• Set designers.

Additional Creator Names

• Aronson, Lisa Jalowetz.
• Chagall, Marc, 1887-1985.
• Aronson, Boris, 1900-1980. Marc Chagall.