Oleanna Update

Next up is David Mamet’s Oleanna directed by Iqbal Khan; a play that shocked and divided its audiences at its premiere in the United States in 1992 and later in London. So much so that, apparently, fights broke out in the audiences.


What's it about?
John is a university professor seeking a long-term contract, and Carol his student who, having struggled to get her place is desperate to convince him to change her failing grade. Their relationship unfolds in blistering dialogue and dramatic shifts and leads to Carol accusing John of sexual harassment, which puts his whole academic future and life under threat. What is the truth of these allegations? Who do we believe and who is guilty?


A bit of background...

The British premiere of Oleanna was directed by Harold Pinter and starred David Suchet and Lia Williams at the Royal Court Theatre, 1993. Iqbal Khan worked closely with Pinter in his most recent productions at the National Theatre - Landscape and A Slight Ache. He was also the National Theatre tour director for Rafta Rafta. Oleanna marks his debut at the Octagon; the perfect setting for this gladiatorial contest.


Who is in it?

American actor Colin Stinton plays the role of John. Colin has worked extensively at the Royal National Theatre and has a wealth of television, film and stage acting behind him including his role as the eponymous Edmond in the European Premiere of Mamet’s play, at the Royal Court and Newcastle Playhouse, directed by Sir Richard Eyre. His film credits include Tomorrow Never Dies, The Winslow Boy and The Bourne Ultimatum. You can read an interview with Colin here.

Kosha Engler is Carol. In July, Kosha will appear in Moon Shot, a feature-length TV drama about the Apollo 11 moon landing, directed by Richard Dale for ITV.