“To my mind, there could be no greater character to play than Othello.”
Paul Robeson, a legendary figure in theater and civil rights, delivered these powerful words. Paul Robeson as Othello – Folger Shakespeare Library Source This statement reveals his deep connection to William Shakespeare’s tragic hero. Many actors have tackled the Moor of Venice throughout history. However, Robeson’s interpretation remains one of the most significant. He saw something unique and profound in the role. .
Scholars and fans often debate the exact wording of famous quotes. Fortunately, we can trace this specific declaration back to a concrete source. It provides a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a master performer.
Uncovering the Origin of the Quote
We often see quotes floating around the internet without proper attribution. Sometimes, verifying these statements proves difficult. Fortunately, this specific line has a clear and verifiable history. It stems directly from a television interview recorded in 1959. The American Archive of Public Broadcasting holds the definitive proof.
Specifically, a 1998 episode of “The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer” aired the footage. This broadcast included a rare segment featuring Robeson. In this clip, he speaks candidly about his career and artistic choices. He reflects on the challenges he faced on stage. Consequently, we can confirm the attribution is authentic. He definitely said it. Researchers can find this clip at approximately the 44-minute mark of the hour-long program. This makes the source easy to locate for anyone interested in theatrical history.
Robeson’s Perspective on Othello
Why did he rank Othello so highly among all dramatic roles? Robeson believed Shakespeare captured a specific, powerful form of human dignity. The playwright placed a Black man in a complex, predominantly white society. Yet, Shakespeare did not strip him of his honor. Robeson argued that Othello’s actions come from a place of immense worth.
He is not driven by petty malice or simple hatred. Instead, the character operates from a deep sense of personal integrity. Therefore, the tragedy feels even more profound to the audience. Robeson saw the character as a challenge worth mastering. He appreciated the nuance Shakespeare wrote into the role. For Robeson, playing Othello meant portraying a man who knows his own value. This perspective set his performance apart from many contemporaries.
Analyzing Textual Variations
Internet databases sometimes get details wrong. For instance, the website AZ Quotes lists a slightly different version of this famous line. They change the grammar slightly. Their version reads “no greater character played.” This shift from “to play” to “played” alters the meaning.
The original infinitive suggests an ongoing potential for actors. It implies the role is an active challenge. Conversely, the past participle “played” feels more final or static. Accuracy matters when analyzing historical statements. We must preserve the speaker’s exact intent. While the AZ Quotes entry categorizes the statement correctly under acting, it lacks a specific date. In contrast, the public broadcasting archive provides a clear timeline. Thus, the video evidence remains the superior source.
The Legacy of the Statement
Robeson’s view shapes how we see the play today. He proved that Othello is not a caricature. Indeed, it is a role of immense emotional weight. Actors continue to chase the high standard he set. His 1959 interview remains a vital piece of theater history.
It reminds us of the power of Shakespeare’s writing. Furthermore, it highlights Robeson’s intellect and artistry. He understood the soul of the character perfectly. Ultimately, his words confirm that Othello represents the pinnacle of dramatic performance.