Uploaded June 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
In 1967, Sir Laurence Olivier sits down with drama critic Elliot Norton at Montreal’s Expo 67 for his first extensive television interview.
As the founding director of Britain’s National Theatre, Olivier discusses his mission to eliminate the “star system” — the convention of building productions around a few "starring" names — in favor of creating a company that in itself, would be the star. He cites Dame Maggie Smith’s portrayal of Desdemona in his production of Shakespeare's “Othello” and Geraldine McEwan’s debut dramatic role in Strindberg’s “The Dance of Death” as a model that an ensemble cast can launch a performer’s career, even if they’re not the main focus.
Olivier also shares the demanding preparations for his role as Othello, like retraining his voice to make it deeper. He discusses the fatal flaws that afflict Shakespeare characters and how to mix tragedy with a bit of comedy.
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This 1967 interview from the THIRTEEN vault is part of "A Conversation with Sir Laurence Olivier."
The WNET Group presents Broadway and Beyond, a special collection of Broadway and arts programming, and archival selections from the THIRTEEN Vault, premiering in May and June.
#LaurenceOlivier #MaggieSmith #ElliotNorton #NationalTheatre #Shakespeare #Othello #Iago #TheaterHistory #Expo67 #MethodActing #ClassicalTheater #THIRTEEN #Broadway #WestEnd #Interview
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THIRTEEN is one of America’s most respected and innovative public media providers. Part of The WNET Group, THIRTEEN is a unique cultural and educational institution that harnesses the power of television and electronic media to inform, enlighten, entertain and inspire. The flagship public television station of the New York City tri-state area and the most-watched public television channel in the nation, THIRTEEN reaches millions of people with programming that celebrates arts and culture, offers insightful commentary on the news of the day, explores the worlds of science and nature, and invites people of all ages to have fun while learning.
In 1967, Sir Laurence Olivier sits down with drama critic Elliot Norton at Montreal’s Expo 67 for his first extensive television interview.
As the founding director of Britain’s National Theatre, Olivier discusses his mission to eliminate the “star system” — the convention of building productions around a few "starring" names — in favor of creating a company that in itself, would be the star. He cites Dame Maggie Smith’s portrayal of Desdemona in his production of Shakespeare's “Othello” and Geraldine McEwan’s debut dramatic role in Strindberg’s “The Dance of Death” as a model that an ensemble cast can launch a performer’s career, even if they’re not the main focus.
Olivier also shares the demanding preparations for his role as Othello, like retraining his voice to make it deeper. He discusses the fatal flaws that afflict Shakespeare characters and how to mix tragedy with a bit of comedy.
Subscribe to THIRTEEN newsletters to stay informed: qrco.de/BroadwayAndBeyond2026
This 1967 interview from the THIRTEEN vault is part of "A Conversation with Sir Laurence Olivier."
The WNET Group presents Broadway and Beyond, a special collection of Broadway and arts programming, and archival selections from the THIRTEEN Vault, premiering in May and June.
#LaurenceOlivier #MaggieSmith #ElliotNorton #NationalTheatre #Shakespeare #Othello #Iago #TheaterHistory #Expo67 #MethodActing #ClassicalTheater #THIRTEEN #Broadway #WestEnd #Interview
Please SUBSCRIBE if you enjoyed: youtube.com/@ThirteenWNET?sub_confirmation=1
For full episodes, check out thirteen.org
Facebook: facebook.com/thirteenwnet
Instagram: instagram.com/thirteenwnet
TikTok: tiktok.com/@thirteenwnet
-----------------
THIRTEEN is one of America’s most respected and innovative public media providers. Part of The WNET Group, THIRTEEN is a unique cultural and educational institution that harnesses the power of television and electronic media to inform, enlighten, entertain and inspire. The flagship public television station of the New York City tri-state area and the most-watched public television channel in the nation, THIRTEEN reaches millions of people with programming that celebrates arts and culture, offers insightful commentary on the news of the day, explores the worlds of science and nature, and invites people of all ages to have fun while learning.
