Shaw, Mary
Biography
Mary Shaw was born in Boston. After graduating from high school, she taught in the public schools. During that time, she was an amateur actress but soon after she made her first appearance on the professional stage at the Boston Museum Company. Several other engagements followed. After a season as a leading woman with Julia Marlow, she starred in "A Drop of Poison," written by Oskar von Blumentahl, which she had adapted from its German original. In 1898, she had the greatest success of her career as Mrs. Alving in Ibsen's "Ghosts" playing the role first in New York City and then throughout the country. In 1899, the International Congress of Women selected Shaw to speak on "The Stage as a Means of Livelihood in America." She was one of a hundred American women invited to a banquet at Windsor Castle by Queen Victoria that summer.
Found in 1 Collection or Record:
"A Drop of Poison," by Oskar von Blumenthal
Typewritten adaptation of Oskar von Blumenthal's (1852-1917) play "A Drop of Poison/Herta." Adapted for the stage by American actress Mary Shaw. A letterhead dated May 31, 1890, Albany signed by eight members of the case, including Richard Hovey and an advertising bill for the play are also included.