Chesley (Robert) Papers, 1965-1990

Printable guide [HTML]

Summary

Title:
Robert Chesley papers
Dates:
1965-1990
Creators:
Chesley, Robert, 1943-1990
Abstract:
Extent:
14.7 linear feet
Language:
Preferred citation:

Robert Chesley papers. GLBT Historical Society

Background

Scope and content:

The Robert Chesley papers document his life as a playwright, theater critic and sexual outlaw. The collection is divided into eight series: Correspondence; Journals and "Crazy Books"; Writings, including plays, short stories, novels, and journalism; Writings by Others; Subject Files; Personalia; Photographs and Posters; and Audio. Highlights include nearly 20 years of correspondence and over 10 years of personal diaries, drafts of plays and materials related to his prolific career as a journalist and theater critic, and souvenirs from his sexual encounters. See Container List for more details about each series. There is very little related to Chesley's career as a musical composer. Chesley died of AIDS in 1990 at the age of 47. GSSO linked terms: http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_000374; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_004301; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_008497; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_001236; http://purl.obolibrary.org/obo/GSSO_000521

Biographical / historical:

Robert Chesley was born in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1943. He moved to San Francisco in 1976 and became theater critic for the San Francisco Bay Guardian. Chesley's first one-act play, "Hell, I Love You," was produced at Theatre Rhinoceros in 1980. His play "Night Sweat" was the first full-length drama dealing with the AIDS crisis to be produced in New York. It had extended runs in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Chesley wrote over 30 full-length and one-act plays. One of his most successful works was “Jerker.” It had a long run in New York and generated controversy with the Federal Communications Commission when it was aired on Pacifica Radio’s KPFK. Chesley died of AIDS in 1990. The Robert Chesley Award for Lesbian and Gay Playwriting, given annually by Publishing Triangle, is named in his honor.

Acquisition information:
Gift of Nicholas Deutsch in 1993 and 1995.

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid created by GLBT Historical Society staff.
Date Prepared:
1965-1990
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using Record Express for OAC5 on July 14, 2025, 2:54 p.m.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Collection is open for research. Funding for processing this collection was provided by the National Historical Publications and Records Commission (NHPRC).

Terms of access:

Copyright was not transferred to the GLBT Historical Society.

Preferred citation:

Robert Chesley papers. GLBT Historical Society

Location of this collection:
989 Market Street, Lower Level
San Francisco, CA 94103, US
Contact:
(415) 777-5455
reference@glbthistory.org
Website