BWW Interviews: Talking with OLEANNA's Sarah Wilson

David Mamet's controversial play Oleanna opens tomorrow night at the Young Centre and launches Soulpeppers 2011 season. The show is about an ordinary meeting between a professor and his student that proceeds to explore into a debate on the abuses of power that threaten to turn the tables on the relationship between the two parties. The play brings to question the implications of thoughtless action and political correctness gone sour.

Diego Matamoros & Sarah Wilson star as the two characters embroiled the in the hot topic discussions concerning sexual harassment and political correctness. Both actors took a few minutes to speak with BWW about the show. Today we are speaking with Sarah about what it's like tackling these tough issues and why people should come see the show:

Oleanna is considered to be Mamet's most controversial work, and it deals with issues that are certainly still relevant today. As actors, how do you approach such difficult subject matter?

I just make sure that I understand what Carol's argument is...what and perhaps why she thinks and feels the way she does. In that way, it's just like doing any other play- focusing on the specifics of the relationship and this very particular circumstance instead of trying to be any kind of mouthpiece for an issue.

Oleanna premiered in 1992, do you think that as a society we have made any major progress towards clarifying the issues discussed in the play? Or do you think they are just as relevant today?

I don't know if the world has much changed since the play premiered. I don't mean that I doubt it, I genuinely don't know. Certainly I think the issues discussed are relevant. I can recognize them in the world I've grown up in, and there will always be tension surrounding any discussion of power.

This type of subject matter (and the way it is approached in the play) often make audience members uncomfortable, which could be regarded as a good thing and a sign of fine theatre. Do you agree? Or do you think perhaps the uncomfortable nature causes people to shy away?

The play is intense, so yes, I won't be surprised if some people are uncomfortable. As to whether or not that draws people in or repels them, I think it's just a matter of taste. I hope the story engages the audience, and whatever reaction they have to that engagement is up to them.

Due to the nature of the production and the possibility for the audience to become slightly uncomfortable, do you find each performance changes and evolves depending on the house that you have?

We actually haven't had an audience yet, so I'm not sure yet how they'll react. I imagine the houses will vary in their reactions, maybe particularly in what they find funny. I don't plan to tailor anything to the audience, though. Of course some things are different every night, but we're telling the story the way we're telling it, and I don't expect that to change.

Finally, for people unfamiliar with the show, what would you say to encourage them to come out and see it?

It's exciting, hilarious and sad, and I think it's very much a play about our times and us. There are parts that are so shocking that they'll take your breath away. Mamet's written a fantastic play, and if we do justice to it, it'll be a thrilling night at the theatre.

When and Where?
Oleanna
Young Centre for the Performing Arts

Performance Schedule:

Previews start January 29th, 2011 and opening night is February 3rd, 2011.
Tuesday - Saturday at 8PM, Saturday at 2PM
Monday Night Performances on February 7th and 21st

Tickets range from $28-$60 and are available by phone at 416.866.8666 or online at www.soulpepper.ca

$22 tickets are available for 21-30 year olds through StagePlay at www.stageplay.ca StagePlay is sponsored by TD Bank Financial Group