Oleanna. Ein Machtspiel (theatre in german language)

A guest performance by the St. Pauli Theatre, Hamburg

John is a university professor who is about to be promoted and buy a property. Carol is his student who is afraid of failing because she often simply does not understand the professor's technical terms. He finds her ‘likeable’ and believes he understands her. His hand on Carol's shoulder, a casual gesture meant to reassure her, proves to be his undoing. Was it perhaps sexual assault after all? Was there more at stake than sympathy? What does Carol hope to achieve with her accusations, which could cost John his career?

David Mamet took the title of his play from the song ‘Oleanna’ by Norwegian immigrants. The song is about the utopia of a country where there is no more oppression and all people can move freely. Mamet outlines in his play how difficult it is to get there. Premiered in 1993, long before the Me Too debate, it prophetically anticipated what happens when seemingly incompatible world views collide and gender relations become a question of power. Sven-Eric Bechtolf and Johanna Asch engage in a razor-sharp verbal battle on equal terms in the roles of John and Carol. ‘Powerful acting.’ (Hamburger Morgenpost).

Start: 7:30 p.m.
Introduction: 7:00 p.m.
Duration: approx. 1 hour 45 minutes (without intermission)