2008 Woodie Awards
Kniffen and Kingston bring "Oleanna" to life
Cheyenne Lee
Issue date: 4/1/08 Section: Arts and Entertainment
Disturbing. Controversial. Powerful.
This is a common response to plays written by David Mamet, and "Oleanna" defines them all.
Strikingly real is another thing to add to a play that was written in response to the sexual harassment testimony made by Anita Hill in 1991 at Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' confirmation hearings.
The play is currently in production through Apr. 12 at Santa Rosa's 6th Street Playhouse, and directed by Rohnert Park resident Linda Reid.
This production stars Tim Kniffen in the role of John, a professor who is accused of rape by undergraduate student Carol, played by Gwen Kingston, 19.
Mamet directed the first premiere of "Oleanna" in Massachusetts with his future wife, Rebecca Pidgeon in the role as Carol.
A 2004 run of the play featured Julia Stiles in the role, and a film version starred William H. Macy as John.
Mamet's other writing credits also include "Glengarry Glen Ross" which made a jump from stage to the big screen in 1992. He also wrote notable films such as "Wag The Dog" and "The Verdict" which were nominated for Academy Awards.
"[Mamet] likes to take on people following the American Dream. They were both victims and they were victims of themselves," said Reid.
Reid's directorial credits include "The Gin Game," and the Novato Theater Company's production of "The Curious Savage" last season.
Reid said she thought it was written about the position and abuse of power. The play asks audiences to examine society's interpretation of sexual harassment and consider how it can be exaggerated and distorted.
And the fact that this play only features two characters and remains so powerful is only due to "Mametspeak," Mamet's unique dialogue.
Frequent interruptions and trailing unfinished sentences are express characteristics of Mametspeak, which require the actors to have strong chemistry with one another.
"As a director, my response [to the play] was 'Oh goody!' Mamet is about making interesting characters," said Reid.
This is a common response to plays written by David Mamet, and "Oleanna" defines them all.
Strikingly real is another thing to add to a play that was written in response to the sexual harassment testimony made by Anita Hill in 1991 at Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas' confirmation hearings.
The play is currently in production through Apr. 12 at Santa Rosa's 6th Street Playhouse, and directed by Rohnert Park resident Linda Reid.
This production stars Tim Kniffen in the role of John, a professor who is accused of rape by undergraduate student Carol, played by Gwen Kingston, 19.
Mamet directed the first premiere of "Oleanna" in Massachusetts with his future wife, Rebecca Pidgeon in the role as Carol.
A 2004 run of the play featured Julia Stiles in the role, and a film version starred William H. Macy as John.
Mamet's other writing credits also include "Glengarry Glen Ross" which made a jump from stage to the big screen in 1992. He also wrote notable films such as "Wag The Dog" and "The Verdict" which were nominated for Academy Awards.
"[Mamet] likes to take on people following the American Dream. They were both victims and they were victims of themselves," said Reid.
Reid's directorial credits include "The Gin Game," and the Novato Theater Company's production of "The Curious Savage" last season.
Reid said she thought it was written about the position and abuse of power. The play asks audiences to examine society's interpretation of sexual harassment and consider how it can be exaggerated and distorted.
And the fact that this play only features two characters and remains so powerful is only due to "Mametspeak," Mamet's unique dialogue.
Frequent interruptions and trailing unfinished sentences are express characteristics of Mametspeak, which require the actors to have strong chemistry with one another.
"As a director, my response [to the play] was 'Oh goody!' Mamet is about making interesting characters," said Reid.
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