Shifting power & perception in a struggle to communicate – Oleanna

Got out to see Unit 102 Theatre’s production of David Mamet’s Oleanna last night; the play is running in rotation with Neil Labute’s In a Dark, Dark House at Unit 102’s space at 376 Dufferin St., Toronto (just south of Queen St. W., on the west side of Dufferin).

Directed by David LaFontaine, and starring Linzee Barclay and Scott Walker, Oleanna presents the battle of two wills: Carol and John. The student/professor relationship plays out with increasingly higher stakes, shifting power dynamics, and an intensely frustrating struggle to communicate and be understood. The dialogue is classic Mamet – at times rapid fire, overlapping, fumbling for words, at others a debate – the language both profane and academic, everyday and elevated. Communication and perception – and how what is communicated verbally or physically is received, regardless of intent or original meaning – twist and pull, with the characters launching into a volcanic he said/she said. And, ultimately, actions really do speak louder than words.

Really strong work from both Barclay and Walker in negotiating the evolution of the characters and the mood of this relationship. And kudos for their handling of the dialogue, especially challenging in the first scene, particularly after being away from performance for a few days (they’ve been performing Wed. and Fri. nights, with a couple of Sun. matinées). Barclay lays out Carol’s growth and increasing confidence, from lecture hall wallflower to outspoken student advocate, while Walker navigates John’s shift from an assertive, irreverent prof to a man desperate to save his job and his life. Both in a riveting dance of shifting power and perception.

You have one more chance to see this production of Oleanna: Friday, August 29 at 8 p.m. Check out Unit 102 Theatre’s website for more info about the company, this show and their other productions: http://www.unit102theatre.com/index.html

Coming up: Catching Shakespeare in the Ruff’s Two Gents at Withrow Park on Friday night (they run until Sept 2).