David Mamet’s controversial play Oleanna has been provoking heated reactions ever since its 1992 premiere. The ultimate ‘he-said, she-said’ tale of a female student, Carol, who accuses her university professor of sexual harassment still polarises people with its unflinching look into gender, sex, power, and class.
Grace O’Connell, who plays Carol, relishes how divisive the play is. “Both of our characters, we’re both right and we’re both wrong at the same time. That just angers people because you don’t want to have to choose a side but you end up doing it.”
With already such a contentious premise, this Sydney Theatre School rendition adds an extra layer of tension as Jerome Pride, who will play the professor, is O’Connell’s real-life acting teacher. It’s never been attempted before and for O’Connell it has created a “really interesting dynamic.”
“It adds to the whole story. Because we do have that dynamic in real life, it’s created this fantastic physical tension on stage,” she says.
O’Connell hopes this production will continue the tradition of provoking fierce debate. “This play is really about the audience. It’s really meant to challenge what you know, your own social construct and the ideals that you hold.” (MT)
Jun 25–Jul 6, Sydney Theatre School, 45 Chippen St, Chippendale, $20-25, sydneytheatreschool.com
BY MELODY TEH
You May Also Like
