Associated Press

London

When Jude Law was a schoolboy, he saw a performance of Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’ at London’s Young Vic Theatre that he says inspired him to take up acting. On Tuesday, the star recently nominated for a best-actor Oscar for ‘Cold Mountain’ launched a campaign to raise $4.5 million to save the venue, now 34 years old and somewhat dilapidated.

“I remember coming here 15 years ago to see a production of ‘Othello’ and being so moved at the experience of being in such close proximity to the actors,” he told reporters. “It was a really important part of the dream that I had to become an actor. To see a performance of such extraordinary theatre so close at hand taught me how enjoyable it could be, not only to be an audience member but to be a performer.”

Law, 31, has appeared on the Young Vic stage twice, most recently in a production of Marlowe’s ‘Dr Faustus’ in 2002.

Built in 1970 to nurture young talent, the theatre was intended as a temporary structure. Of the $22.5 million redevelopment cost, $9 million already has been raised through donations and grants, and a similar sum is expected from the National Lottery. Law said he would contribute to the theatre fund, but would not reveal the amount. The planned renovation will double the size of the theatre.