Cadence Theatre Company Comes to H-SC

Published 4:30 pm Tuesday, November 16, 2010

On Thursday, November 18, Hampden-Sydney College hosts Richmond's new Cadence Theatre Company concluding their first season with David Mamet's Oleanna.

Oleanna. is about a college student, Carol, who drops by her professor's office in an effort to gain his help to do better in class. John, the professor, in the midst of buying a house to celebrate his nomination for tenure, at first seems distant. As the first meeting progresses the two discuss the nature of understanding and judgment in society, as well as their very own natures and places in our society. It seems as if a bond has been made. When next they meet we find that a report has been filed to the tenure committee. Carol has joined a “group” and has decided that John sexually harassed her during their first meeting. In their second meeting John and Carol are both physically and emotionally devastated.

The play is a seething investigation of “political correctness” in a time when the nation's morality has been tested by increased incidents of sexual harassment. “Oleanna is likely to provoke more arguments than any play this year.” -NY Times. Harold Pinter, a fan of the play, says “There can be no tougher or unflinching play than Oleanna.”

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Oleanna was recently revived in New York and London and has starred many notable actors such as William H. Macy, Julia Stiles, Bill Pullman, and Aaron Eckhart. The play contains adult language and is not recommended for youth under 18.

Mamet's riveting two-person drama, directed by CTC's Artistic Director Anna Johnson, will feature Richmond's Molly Hood and David Bridgewater. Creative team members include Samuel Byers (lighting design), Sarah Jarrell (costume design), Kevin Johnson (scenic design), and Lara Koplin (scenic artist). Stage Management is by Sarah Worden.

Sponsored by the Hampden-Sydney Department of Fine Arts and the Lectures & Program Committee, Oleanna will be performed at 7:30 PM in Winston Hall. This event is free and open to the community.