Sexual Politics And Intrigue At Derby Theatre
21 September 2010
Oleanna is a much darker take on the relationship between tutor and student, of course, but we hope people will enjoy it just as much as they did our earlier joint production
”Yvonne Hurt, Programme Leader for Theatre Arts.
A powerful drama about sexual harassment and 'political correctness' on a university campus will be played out at Derby Theatre.
Screenwriter, Hollywood director and playwright David Mamet's controversial play Oleanna is a tale of the conflicting stories of two people; university professor 'John' and his female student, 'Carol', who approaches him for help but ends up accusing him of sexual harassment. The drama contains strong language.
Oleanna (the play's title refers to a 'Utopian' community set up in the 19th century) premiered to great critical acclaim on Broadway, New York, in 1992. In 1994 it was made into a film starring William H Macy.
The play will be at Derby Theatre, which is supported by the University of Derby, from Thursday September 30 to Saturday October 2. It is a joint production by Derby Theatre and Buxton Opera House.
There are only two parts in the play. 'John' is played by Tim Wyatt and 'Carol' by Alex Bedward. Both full-time actors are graduates of Derby's own Theatre Arts degree course and Alex is also a member of its graduate theatre company, Uncontained Arts.
Oleanna is directed by Yvonne Hurt, produced by Andrew Aughton and designed by Paul Hurt.
Yvonne, the University's Programme Leader for Theatre Arts, said: "By coincidence this is the second university set, two actor play that Derby Theatre and Buxton Opera House have co-produced this year; following Educating Rita in the summer.
"Oleanna is a much darker take on the relationship between tutor and student, of course, but we hope people will enjoy it just as much as they did our earlier joint production."
Andrew Aughton, Buxton Opera House Chief Executive, added: "Mamet himself said of his two characters that they were both wrong and both right, so the play will certainly give the audience plenty to talk about afterwards."
Oleanna will be at Derby Theatre from Thursday September 30 to Saturday October 2, at 7.30pm daily with an extra Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.
Tickets are now available priced £10 to £14, £10 to £12 concessions and £10 for matinee performances. There are also school rates. Contact the Derby Live box office on 01332 255800, or email: boxoffice@derby.gov.uk.
For further information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103, or email s.kirby@derby.ac.uk.
