Controversial Play 'Oleanna' Opening at Theater Barn July 12th

On July 12th the Ridgefield Theater Barn will present a black box production of David Mamet's controversial play, Oleanna. Featuring Samantha Holomakoff of Norwalk and Harry Lipstein of Ridgefield, the play is directed by Maryann Arcoleo-Koltun and produced by Sherry Asch.

The beauty of a black box production is that, with a bare-bones set and clean stage, the focus is truly on the play and the actors. And when you have two exceptional actors exploring the playwright's words and bravely exposing their characters in all their unpolished humanity, it is incredibly compelling. Given the nature of this particular play, the minimalist staging is ideal.

With a very simple construct, Oleanna pits a pompous college professor against a struggling female college student. The power struggle that ensues is unexpected and unnerving. When the play premeired on Broadway in October of 1992, the New York Times' critic Frank Rich stated, "Oleanna is likely to provoke more arguments than any play this year." It is an accurate assessment, in as much as every audience member leaves the theater with very strong opinions as to what exactly transpired. And the themes and questions are just as relevant today as they were 20 years ago. Who is the victim? Who is to blame? As the tagline goes, no matter whose side you're on - you're wrong.

Oleanna will be presented Friday and Saturday evenings at 8pm, July 12th through the 20th. Tickets are $15 and seating is cabaret style. Doors open one hour prior to curtain and audience members are invited to bring food and drink to enjoy before the show and during intermission. Performances tend to sell out, so reservations are strongly encouraged and can be made at www.ridgefieldtheaterbarn.org