25 July 1964

Dear Langston,

It's a long time since we heard from each other. How's life these days?

What I am writing to you about is theatre. I have established a theatre group attached to this Centre – the African Theatre Company. We are doing a play – The Prodigal Son by Bob Leshoia (South African) in which I want to incorporate gospel singing. I am asking you to send us gospel music – preferably in tonic solfa, but if impossible, send it to us in staff notation – as many pieces as possible. Your Black Nativity I saw in Paris inspired me to this sort of theatre. If you can send it by air, so much the better. Also if you can send us a book of Negro spirituals also preferably in tonic solfa etc. we shall regard this as a most treasured gift from you.

Best wishes as always,

Yours ever,

Zeke

10 August 1964

Dear Zeke:

I am purchasing some gospels and spirituals for you and airmailing them tomorrow… some, at any rate, if all are too heavy for air, as I'm rather broke right now. BLACK NATIVITY closed owing me £10, 000 on the American tours. So I am suing, case in court now. And the management has the gall to announce now a European and Australian tour this fall. 2 companies! Anyhow, SPONONO, beautifully done here, did not have a run, but almost everyone is in the African Pavilion's show at the World's Fair. Unfortunately, Barney Qhobosheane was in a bad auto accident and all smashed up, but I spoke to him on the phone in the hospital today and he is getting along. I am going to see him this week. Is Bob Leshoia there with you? If so, tell him HELLO and ask him when he is coming back to go to the University.

I am head-over-heels busy trying to get ready to leave for the Berlin Festival of the Arts in September. Are you going to be there since the accent is on things African and Afro-American? If you are coming, it will be good to see you again. On the way back, I hope to stop by Paris, then London where I am helping BBC edit a series on American Negro culture for which I just taped 12 poets here in the States.