Oleanna by David Mamet
Directed by John Marwick
At Muritai School Theatre
Eastbourne
23, 24, 25, 30 June, 1 & 2 July 2011
A controversial American adult drama about a university lecturer and one of his young woman students. It’s about how a teacher who misuses his power can seriously damage a vulnerable student. Or maybe it’s about how political correctness can be carried to extremes and damage the lives of well-meaning people. It’s about sexual harassment – or maybe it’s about extreme feminism.
Reviews and audience comments from Eastbourne season:
Tanja Piejus review: http://review.org.nz/article.php/20110627201145662
“leaves the audience arguing long afterwards”
“excellently performed and rendered production”
“startling”
Maggie Rainey-Smith’s blog review: http://acurioushalfhour.wordpress.com/
“terrific performance”
“acting outstanding”
“compelling and thought-provoking”
“brilliantly rendered so that your sympathies are constantly moving”
“the ending is superb”
John Smythe (of Theatreview) on Oleanna Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=194683697244742
“Saw it tonight – very compelling, The actors draw us into to their respective truths and command our understanding of – if not our agreement with – aspects of their behaviour. The discussion afterwards lasted out to the car and all the way home back to Wellington. One more show in Eastbourne – then a brief season at the Gryphon (in August?). Well worth it.”
Audience members:
“Woke up in the morning and thought how brilliant the play was”
“Made me feel sick because of the reality of it”
“Whow!”
80 minutes – no interval – latecomers not admitted. 8 pm start – bar open from 7.30 pm.
Contains some coarse language and adult themes – not suitable for children.
Presented in an intimate stage setting – seating limited – bookings essential.
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