Expanding its reach into the Northern Virginia community, the Providence Players of Fairfax are producing a special limited engagement of David Mamet’s Oleanna. The production will be at a new location for the Providence Players: the Italian Café in Falls Church, Virginia.
The Providence Players note that Oleanna is a play often described as a commentary on sexual harassment and political correctness. But for Jayne Victor, President of Providence Players’ Board of Directors, the play is “rather about what happens when we stop listening to each other and forget that we are all human.” The play focuses on a university professor and one of his female students who accuses him of sexual exploitation.
“We wanted to stretch ourselves artistically, and take on new material that we would not normally choose for our regular four-show season. Oleanna is perfect,” said Victor. “Oleanna is intensely charged, highly relevant to our time, somewhat controversial and an intriguing bit of theater by David Mamet.”
“We at the Providence Players have wanted to try a “black box” approach in a smaller, more intimate venue,” Victor continued. “This is our first attempt, and we hope to be able to do more like it.” This is the first venture of its kind for the Providence Players with the Italian Café where the show will be performed.
Oleanna is directed by Julie Janson and features Christopher Crockett and Amanda Ranowsky. Originally staged in 1992 when the Supreme Court confirmation hearings of Clarence Thomas were still fresh, the Providence Players production will take on new life in the contemporary American society and culture of 2019.
Oleanna, presented by Providence Players of Fairfax, plays March 7, 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. at the Italian Café – 7161 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22046. For tickets, call (703) 425-6782 or go online.
Note: All tickets are general admission. This play contains strong language and adult content. Dinner before the show is available, but not included in the ticket price.
