RUSSELL’S WORK

In his article on Ken Russell (“Where Russell Directs, Controversy Follows,” April 19), Roderick Mann says that “just three months ago, he (Russell) directed ‘Mephistopheles’ in Genoa, Italy. . . .”

The opera was undoubtedly “Mefistofele” by Boito. And, I’m quite sure that machismo had nothing to do with the reaction of the audience. They were probably outraged at Russell’s staging of this great opera based on Goethe’s immortal “Faust.”

As for Russell’s remark that “they (the British critics) just don’t like me,” this is pure rubbish. I’m sure they don’t give a damn about him. They just loathe his work.

WILFRED J. HEALEY

Los Angeles