West Yorkshire Playhouse and Northern Broadsides were proud to announce last week their forthcoming production of Othello which will feature Lenny Henry in the title role.
How disappointing to read Rod McPhee's cynical diary comments (YEP, October 6). Having declined his invitation to the press briefing last week, Rod was unable to experience first hand Lenny's passion and commitment to the production and the seriousne
ss with which he is approaching his theatrical debut.
The project grew out of Lenny's Radio 4 exploration of Shakespeare where he met Barrie Rutter (Artistic Director of Northern Broadsides). Workshops followed and when Barrie experienced Lenny's intensity whilst working alongside other Northern Broadsides actors, he knew that he had found his Othello. Surely Rod should know how much Leeds has to offer the cultural world.
In the last five years, eight productions created at West Yorkshire Playhouse have enjoyed successful transfers to the West End and as we speak, The 39 Steps is still wowing audiences in London and has led to replica productions across the world including Broadway.
The work of Northern Ballet Theatre and Opera North is also internationally renowned and other performance companies including Red Ladder, Slung Low and Unlimited Theatre have all originated in Leeds.
So, we invite Rod and his scepticism to the press night of Othello so he can make his own mind up regarding Lenny's performance.
We eagerly await the diverse audience Lenny Henry will attract, which will prove beyond doubt that Shakespeare is for the many and not the few and that cultural snobbery helps none of us. In the meantime let's applaud the bravery of Mr Henry and celebrate the creativity of this city.
Ian Brown, Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive, West Yorkshire Playhouse Barrie Rutter, Artistic Director, Northern Broadsides
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