Benedict Cumberbatch reads Sol LeWitt's letter to Eva Hesse

In 1960, pioneering American artists Sol LeWitt and Eva Hesse met for the first time and became close friends. In 1965, Eva found herself facing a creative block during a period of self-doubt, and told Sol of her frustrating predicament. Sol replied with this letter.

Read by Benedict Cumberbatch for Letters Live at the Freemason's Hall in London.

© 2023 The LeWitt Estate / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

[halez]

I listen to this probably once a month, whenever I'm having a bad mental health day. It always helps me put my head on straight.

[dianewalker]

He isn’t just reading a letter. He has made Sol writing the letter actually come alive for us.

[sleepisfortheweak]

This man. This. Man. This wasn't even a sad letter or poem or whatever and I'm crying. The kind of crying you do when you hear a beautiful song, or leave the city and really see the stars for the first time. He's so freaking talented that even doing something like this he makes me cry.

[Gang-xr]

You all have no idea how much I respect this man.

[clairebear]

its so cool to hear him say "practice being stupid" after hearing him as sherlock holmes telling everyone to start using their brains. i love it. he is absolutely brilliant.

[radamaerltp]

This letter in this reading should be a mandatory part of every curriculum from high school to university. Brilliant! The hint of a smile at 6.9 is priceless!

[addangel]

this is the most motivational thing i've heard all year 😳

[TheDaytimel]

You know why this hits hard? Because it seems like Benedict is talking to you and he knows the feeling as well. He knows the struggles. I love this 🥰

[melanieday]

Wow! He deserves an award just for that performance. Benedict is stunning.

[itsnotworthit]

It's his voice, his movement, his facial expressions, his hand movement, the volume of his voice, his breathing damn even his breathing is the most fascinating and calculated things an actor could ever strive to do
There is a reason there's no role he can't do, he is one of a kind

[aninaholbek]

Didn't know Benedict also did a reading of this letter. I also love Andrew's reading. It's a very powerful message, not just to artists, but basically anyone who doubts in oneself and need a little motivation. I love it :)

[tamilapp]

I am totally convinced this man can do no wrong when it comes to performing. Movies, TV, theater, audio....even reading a letter...he is remarkably talented. Brilliant! Fantastic job on the accent, too. Not to mention he is extremely easy on this girls eyes!!!

[whatiwasgoingtosay]

I knew he was good, but I didn't know he could do that. That was brilliant!

[JerrySea]

This one is pure gold. I just can't stop watching this.

[adoppelnax]

I wondered why I finally understand what he's saying until i realized he's doing an american accent. Such an adorable human being.

[DAS]

All the comments are mostly focusing on Benedict - he's great - but nothing without the words. Thank you Sol.

[sowhat]

This man has some magic in all of his performances. He manages to amaze me. Just a pure joy to watch and listen to him.

[CrimsonUniverse]

And people say he can't do an American accent.

[sarkarabhik]

I feel like I am being reprimanded for over-thinking, self-doubt and lacking confidence. It's quite a brilliant reading. Must come back to it again and again...

[saraeliv]

closing the book at the end is the equivalent to a mic drop