Oleanna – now at Broadway – Preview

Oleanna is a two-character play by David Mamet. Oleanna is about the power struggle between a university professor and one of his female students, who accuses him of sexual exploitation and, by doing so, spoils his chances of being accorded tenure. David Mamet’s play Oleanna is regarded as one of the most provocative dramas of our time dividing audiences into heated debate by compelling them to side with either character.

The play was premiered in May 1992 in Cambridge, Massachusetts as the first production of Mamet’s new Back Bay Theater Company. The premiere featured William H. Macy as John, a “smug, pompous, insufferable man whose power over academic lives he unconsciously abuses”. Rebecca Pidgeon played the female lead, Carol whose failure to comprehend concepts and precepts presented in John’s class motivated her appeal for personal instruction.

Oleanna – the play’s title, taken from a folk song, refers to a 19th-century escapist vision of utopia.

Oleanna at Broadway in 2009

This production would be transferring to Broadway’s John Golden Theatre, with previews beginning Sept. 29 before an Oct. 11 opening night. This new production marks the long-awaited Broadway premiere of this modern-day classic.

Oleanna plays at John Golden Theatre
252 W. 45th Street

Creators

• Directed by Doug Hughes
• Scenic Design by Neil Patel
• Costume Design by Catherine Zuber
• Lighting Design by Donald Holder
• Written by David Mamet

Cast

• Bill Pullman as John
• Julia Stiles as Carol

Oleanna Video