David Mamet’s much-discussed play Oleanna with Filippos Sofianos and Denia Mimerini, returns and is presented at the Act Theater for 3 unique performances on March 24-25 and 26.
The play
Oleanna, one of the most provocative texts of modern drama was written a year after the first trial in the US for sexual harassment and was presented for the first time in May 1992 in Cambridge, Massachusetts with the Back Bay Theater troupe. In 1993 it was staged with great success at the Royal Court Theater directed by Nobel laureate Harold Pinter. In 1994, Mamet himself transferred his work to the cinema with the same title, and despite the fact that it provoked various reactions from both feminist organizations and from academic circles, for completely different reasons, it is still constantly played and problematic .
David Mamet, one of the most famous writers, screenwriters and directors, is known for his accurate use of the American language and his interest in the relationship between language and behavior.
The heroes of the play, a university professor and a young student, are involved in a game of deep confrontation that makes any communication between them impossible, with the feeling of power and security dominating above all. A verbal power game will begin on the occasion of the regrading of the student Carol’s writing and the misinterpretations that will be caused by the proposal of John’s professor, for special meetings outside the framework of the rules of the apparently democratic university. The professor disparages his student, questioning the tools education provides, and she, questioning his privileges, will report him for harassment.
It is a powerful text about political correctness that explores the relationship between language and behavior and attempts to penetrate the recesses of power.
“He says it was just a lesson. She, sexual harassment. Whoever you believe, you’d be wrong.”
David Mamet
The show
According to the director, the show is a starting point and a destination for #MeToo. It is a shocking story, which many times confuses you, divides you and creates serious insecurity about your judgement. The project is a machine for generating questions that accompany the viewer days after watching the show.
Questions that, even today, remain more relevant than ever. How can one person so innocently destroy another’s future? How much does the collective affect individual consciousness? How can a friendly gesture translate into harassment? Could it actually be? Does power make her be?
It is important to mention that when David Mamet writes this work in 1992 it generates a lot of reactions. Critics saw the play as a right-wing polemic against political correctness, while for leftists Mamet became a symbol of toxic masculinity. Today, however, after the Greek #metoo outbreak, we may now be ready for a re-read.
The show, which received particularly warm comments from the audience, is presented for the third year, contributing to a discussion that remains open and concerns us all, all of us, everything.
SHOW IDENTITY
Translation: Georgia Zachou
Direction – lighting – music editing: Filippos Sofianos
Sets – costumes: Christina Kostea
Assistant director: Yiannis Tsourounakis
Production direction: Artemis Georgiakakis
Poster photo – Artwork: Thodoris Psiachos
Performance photos: Antonis Mimerinis
Contact: Irini Lagorou
Production: Hand Made Productions
Distribution
Filippos Sofianos – John
Denia Mimerini – Karol
Info
Act Theatre, Gerokostopoulou Stairs
Information: 2610 272037 & 6936122263
Performances: 24 -25 and 26 March 21:15
Prices: General admission 15 euros. Reduced by 10 euros.
Presale: more.com & theater box office
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