Oleanna

Originally premiered in the early 1990s, Oleanna, written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright David Mamet, is a gripping and fiercely debated drama that remains more relevant today than ever. Set in the close confines of a university professor’s office, this explosive two-hander delves into issues of power, privilege, gender dynamics, and miscommunication, forcing audiences to question their own biases and assumptions.

Despite its initial release over three decades ago, Oleanna continues to resonate in the #MeToo era, sparking conversation about institutional power structures, consent, and the complexities of perception and truth. With deliberate gaps in the narrative, Mamet places the burden of interpretation on the audience, making them active participants in the conflict. As the tagline warns: “Whoever you choose… You’re wrong.”

This riveting production, directed by Greg Karvellas, featured Alan Committie, an award-winning South African actor, and Nicole Fortuin, a rising star of stage and screen. Their gripping performances brought raw intensity and nuance to this psychological battleground, making for an unforgettable theatrical experience.