Larry's Freudian kiss
Sir: Lloyd Evans is incorrect in stating that Olivier played Othello twice (Arts, 1 December). In the 1938 production at the Old Vic, Olivier played Iago and Ralph Richardson played Othello. Olivier and the director, Tyrone Guthrie, were influenced by a Freudian interpretation that identified Iago as being subconsciously in love with the Moor. They kept this interpretation from Richardson, knowing that he would be uncomfortable with it, until one day in rehearsal Olivier planted a kiss full on the lips of his startled friend. Richardson did not walk out: he merely patted Olivier on the head and muttered, 'There, there now, dear fellow!'
When Olivier eventually got to play Othello at the National Theatre in 1964, the role of Iago was given to the no-nonsense Lancastrian actor, Frank Finlay, and there was no suggestion of Freud!
Peter Morris Hove, East Sussex
Previous page
