"OLEANNA" by David Mamet CORFU

"OLEANNA"
by David Mamet

Directed by Philip Sofianos

     It's not a lie...OLEANNA for a performance in Corfu

                       1 April at Cine Orpheus at 21:30

 

"He says it was just a lesson. She, sexual harassment.
Whoever you believe, you will be wrong."
David Mamet

   Oleanna by the Pulitzer Prize-winning American authora David Mamet, directed by Philip Sofianoutha is presented on Saturday 1 April at cine Orpheus in Corfu, starting at 21:30

The project

Oleanna, one of the most provocative texts in modern drama, was written a year after the first sexual harassment trial in the United States and was first performed in May 1992 in Cambridge, Massachusetts by BackBayTheater. In 1993 it was staged to great acclaim at the Royal Court Theatre under the direction of Nobel Prize winner Harold Pinter. In 1994 Mamet himself transferred the play to the cinema under the title of the same name, and despite the fact that it provoked a variety of reactions from both feminist organisations and academic circles, for completely different reasons, it continues to be performed continuously and is still a source of concern.

David Mamet, one of the most famous writers, screenwriters and directors, is known for his precise use of the American language and his interest in the relationship between language and behaviour.

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 sense of power and security prevailing above all else.

A verbal power play will begin over student Carol's paper upgrade and the misinterpretations caused by her professor John's suggestion of private meetings outside the rules of the seemingly democratic university. The professor disparages his student by questioning hera tools provided by education and she, questioning his privileges, will denounce him for harassment.

It is a powerful text on political correctness that explores the relationship between language and behaviour and attempts to penetrate the sanctuary of power.

The performance

According to the director, the performance is a starting point and a destination for #MeToo. It is a shocking story, which often confuses and divides you and creates serious insecurity about your judgment. The play is a question-generating machine that accompanies the viewer for days after watching the performance. Questions that even today, in 2022, remain more relevant than ever. How can one person so unapologetically demolish another's future? How much does the collective affect individual consciousness? How can a friendly gesture translate into harassment? Is it in fact? Does power make it so?

It is important to note that when David Mamet writes this play in 1992 it generates a lot of reaction. Critics treated the play as a right-wing polemic against political correctness, while for the leftists Mamet became a symbol of toxic masculinity. Today, however, after the outbreak of the Greek #metoo, we may now be ready for a re-reading.

For the second year this year, the show continued to receive praise from audiences and critics alike and was described as "A human and realistic performance, which aims to awaken us and make us think. Unique, [...] unique, offering food for thought. A great play and a theatrical adaptation worthy of mention" (Harris Molyviati, no.izy.gr)

It is "An excellent performance masterfully crafted with strong performances. Based on a topical and contemporary text by Mamet, with an ingenious direction by Philip Sofianos, with excellent performances" (Vivian Mitsakou, theaterproject365).

 

 PERFORMANCE IDENTITY

Translation.

Direction - lighting - music by Philip Sofianos

Props - costumes: Christina Kostea

Assistant director: Yannis Tsurunakfrom

Poster photo: George Kalfomanolis

Performance photos: AnthonyMimarin

Artwork: Aris Sobotis

Contact: Irini Lagourou

Production:HandMadeProductions

 

Distribution

Philip Sofianos - John

DeniaMimerini - Carol

 

Day and time performances

Saturday 1 April at 21:30

Duration: 80 minutes

 

Cine Orpheus

    Aspiotis 1, Corfu 49100

    Telephone : 2661 039769

 

Ticket prices

General admission: €15

Reduced: €10 [students, unemployed, 65+ ]

Actors' and drama school students' defects accepted

Tickets - Pre-sale: viva.gr, www.ticketbox.gr at the Cine Orpheus box office ( 2661039769 ) and at ticketbox ( 2661027400 )

Contact: Irini Lagurou | Contact. [email protected] | 6977 247725