Sir, The Abbey Theatres' PRO Dorothea Melvin asks me (August 14th) to comment on my use of the word "Englishness" in reviewing, their production of Translations. All right. There are numerous traits and mannerisms which are quintessentially English think Mayew, Micawber, Major or Mr Chips. I used the word in question to encapsulate the combination of these characteristics protected by Kenneth Haigh in his lead role of an Irish schoolteacher.
It is far from obvious to me why anyone, in or out of. the Abbey, should suffer unspecified concerns about this usage. If I had in another context, referred to Michelle Smith's manifest Irishness, who then would be con deemed, and why? Finally, the Abbey's procedures in casting a role are not my concern the consequent performance is. Yours, etc. Ashton Park, Monkstown, Co Dublin.