Basil Rathbone: 'Sometimes I just crave to play in Shakespeare again and I know and love playing Orlando so much.'

Sometimes I just crave to play in Shakespeare again and I know and love playing Orlando so much.

In his quote, Basil Rathbone expresses his deep longing and fondness for playing the character of Orlando in Shakespeare's plays. The straightforward interpretation of the quote reveals a strong attachment that Rathbone feels towards the role, showcasing his passion and love for the character. This quote also sheds light on the timelessness and enduring appeal of Shakespeare's works, as even decades after Rathbone's portrayal, the desire to revisit these plays persists.However, beyond the surface level interpretation lies a more profound philosophical concept that adds intrigue to Rathbone's words. It raises the question: why do we, as humans, crave returning to certain roles or situations despite our familiarity with them? This concept explores the idea of personal identity and the deep-rooted yearning for self-discovery and authentic expression.In the realm of acting, the characters portrayed become extensions of the actors themselves. Through their craft, actors tap into their own depths of emotions, experiences, and perspectives to bring these characters to life. By playing a role repeatedly, like Rathbone's desire to play Orlando, actors get an opportunity to delve further into the intricacies of their characters. Through this repetition, they uncover new layers, nuances, and interpretations, constantly evolving their understanding and connection with the character.Similarly, in our own lives, we often find ourselves returning to familiar situations, repeating patterns, or revisiting roles we have played before. This urge stems from the relentless pursuit of self-discovery and the desire to grasp the essence of our being. Each time we revisit these roles or situations, we gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and how we relate to the world. These experiences become an ongoing process of self-realization.The central theme of Rathbone's quote intertwines beautifully with this philosophical concept. Orlando, as a character in Shakespeare's plays, represents an embodiment of struggle, identity, and self-discovery. Rathbone's craving to play Orlando once again can be seen as a metaphorical desire to further explore the complexities of the human condition and to gain a deeper understanding of his own identity.This desire to return to familiar roles not only applies to actors but to all individuals. We often find ourselves drawn to certain aspects of our lives repeatedly because, in those roles, we feel a sense of connection, purpose, and fulfillment. Whether it be a profession, a hobby, or a personal role we fulfill, there is something innate and authentic that draws us back.In conclusion, Basil Rathbone's quote about his longing to play Orlando reflects his deep attachment to the character and the timeless appeal of Shakespeare's plays. However, when we delve deeper into the quote, we uncover a profound philosophical concept of self-discovery and the inherent desire to return to roles and situations that allow us to explore and understand our own identities. This concept is not limited to actors but extends to all individuals who seek to uncover their true essence throughout the journey of life.