Oleanna
the Dukes, Lancaster, Until 29 March 2003

At The Dukes Studio
Until 29 March 2003

Starring Simon Armstrong as John and Kristin Hutchinson as Carol

Directed by: Ian Hastings

What men say and what women hear (and visa versa) is one of those tricky areas of human nature that science steers clear of and only playwrights and comedians dare to tread.

In an era when the cultural revolution of 'political correctness' overran university campuses and psychoanalyst's informed us that men were Martians looking for caves and women just wanted to talk, David Mamet plugged into the sexual switchboard and discovered that our lines were most definitely crossed.

John is an author and professor on the verge of a major promotion that promises recognition among his peers and a big new house. Carol is his timid student, awkward and unsure of herself in a world of clever words and meaningless concepts.

John decides he likes Carol. Her lack of self worth mirrors his own as a young student and, flushed with success, his own bravado convinces him that he can lift her spirits.

Well-meaning but wordy, pompous and a little overbearing, John is an old school maverick whose call to break free of the constraints of higher education only serves to confuse Carol even more. She is the victim and he is her rescuer.

Then we get Act Two.

I don’t want to spoil the plot but I can say that 'victim' turns 'persecutor' and what transpires is provocative and controversial. The Dukes actors are, once again, absolutely first class. Simon Armstrong visibly shrinks as the play unfolds switching from bombast to bewilderment as his life falls apart. Kristin Hutchinson plays edgy and nervous to perfection and when the mouse roars we get the zeal of the righteous and puritanical.

Did John cross the boundaries? Does Carol go too far?

Mamet’s fast-paced dialogue and razor-edged rapport cuts deep into the interpersonal realm so we can all have a good look.

Which side are you on? Be sure to see this superb production at the Dukes to find out.

Paul Wilkinson

• Also at The Dukes until 29 March: Educating Rita. Read a review by John Freeman