Oleanna

Oleanna was a new play at the Mark Taper Theatre, added after the season tickets were printed. We saw this play on May 31 which is during the preview part of the run. Three years ago our tickets were changed to the preview shows without really letting us know or giving us an option to change. After 20+ years of being season seat subscribers, we were a bit indignant (yes, we can be a bit snotty at times). But then we realized that the tickets were half the cost of the shows that were 3 or more weeks into the run of the play. Also, after a few plays we found that we still enjoyed the performances and we did not notice any degradation in quality.

So back to Oleanna. This is a two person play starring Bill Pullman (While You Were Sleeping, Independence Day) and Julia Stiles (Bourne movies) written by David Mamet (Glengarry Glen Ross, The Postman Rings Twice, Wag the Dog, The Spanish Prisoner).

Taking place at an ivy league school, a student is meeting with her professor to discuss her potential failing grade and the frustration of just "not getting it". Even though the professor is pressed for time to meet his wife and their realtor to buy a house, he decides to stay and work with her and help build up her confidence. Through the dialog or what some people would say his pontificating, she somehow misinterprets his intentions. Or, does she?? Now at this point this could be controversial based on how people perceive the dialog between the two characters. But the dialog is wonderful, captivating and mesmerizing as the play progresses and the roles become totally reversed. There were several moments in the play where I could here audible gasps from the audience when the life of the professor is slowly destroyed.

Very good, thought provoking and enjoyable. Guys, and nowadays Ladies too...be very careful. If you are ever in a position of authority, never be in a room alone with the opposite sex unless they are your significant other.