A question of identity

Press, Volume CXIII, Issue 33230, 21 May 1973, Page 4

A question of identity

Why did the legendary Lawrence of Arabia try desperately to achieve anonymity as Aircraftsman Ross in the Royal Air Force ? This is the puzzle examined in this evening’s play from CHTV3, “Ross,” by Terence Rattigan.

| It is significant that this] biographical play is called] “Ross” rather than Lawrence, I as it is essentially a character study of a complex man rather than a chronicle of his deeds. Constructed in flashback it begins after the years of fame in the desert when, hidden behind the incognito of an aircraftsman, Lawrence is trying to escape his past and find peace for himself. A fellow aircraftsman, Dickinson, guesses his identity, and while he is waiting for the dreaded press exposure Lawrence recalls j the years, first of glory, and then of disillusion. Desert scenes, filmed in Morocco, trace the path of Lawrence’s Arabian camipaign. The play ends at Uxbridge with “Ross" being smuggled off the station when 1 the press gets news of his i hideout.

The title role is played by lan McKellen, who, in Britain, has made a reputation

playing haunted, flawed heroes. A strong supporting cast includes Martin Jarvis, Michael Robbins, Brian Rawlinson, and Michael Bates. Although it inevitably deals with all the same events as the film, “Lawrence of Arabia,” “Ross” is more concerned with trying to account for the complexities and contradictions of the man’s character. Controversy still rages round the legendary figure of Lawrence, and this sensitive play may well help to understand what all the argument is about.