Irene Finch, 50, teacher

Today the theatre means nothing to me. Yet, there was a time when I was a passionate theatre-goer. I remember going home once,

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after the first night of "Othello" with Laurence Olivier. I was actual­ly crying. The emotional impact воздействие was immense. I still remember every detail of that performance .

Of course, I was young then. Probably, that is the reason. But no: I don't think so. Ask the young people today: are there plays that affect them so? I don't think so. The houses are certainly full, and one can't get a ticket for love or money. But, to my mind, the theatrical passions of today do not spring from a genuine love of the theatre but from other, less pure sources: fashion, prestige , idle праздное curiosity.