Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Mamet’s ‘Oleanna’ to be read at nexStage

NexStage Theatre kicks off play-reading series

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By SABINA DANA PLASSE
Express Staff Writer

The nexStage Theatre will launch this year's play-reading season with a reading of David Mamet's "Oleanna" on Friday, Oct. 23, at 6:30 p.m. The reading is free and complimentary wine, juice and cookies will be available.

"Oleanna" will star Scott Creighton and Charlotte Hemmings, and be directed by Jon Kane.

"It's one of the most important plays of the last 20 years," Kane said. "It's also very controversial."

The play is about a professor and a student. Mamet wrote the play in response to events surrounding the Clarence Thomas Supreme Court confirmation hearings and his involvement with Anita Hill.

'The play has three major themes surrounding sexual harassment, political correctness and power," Kane said. "The play is even more relevant with what has been going on with David Letterman. Sexual harassment is always a timely issue."

"Oleanna" is controversial because the audience does not know whose side to take. In addition, a production of "Oleanna" recently opened on Broadway starring Bill Pullman and Julia Stiles, which is coincidental to the nexStage reading.

"Play readings are incredibly entertaining," Kane said. "It's live theater and we only do one run through before the reading is presented so there is a lot of spontaneity."

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The play runs an hour and 15 minutes. For details, call 726-9124.

Sabina Dana Plasse: splasse@mtexpress.com