Mamet’s Controversial ‘Oleanna’ in Previews at Kinetic Theatre (Thurs., 7/11/24)

David Whalen and Mei Lu Barnum in Kinetic Theatre’s production of David Mamet’s play, ‘Oleanna.’ (Photo: Rocky Raco.)

Pittsburgh’s Kinetic Theatre adds a barn-burner to the summer theater schedule with a production of David Mamet’s 1992 play Oleanna. This two-person drama revolves around an issue that was hot in the 1990s and remains so today: allegations of sexual harassment. A young woman who’s a university student visits a professor in his office to ask for help with a course. He offers to assist her provided she returns for followup sessions. Those sessions don’t go well at all. By the next meeting, the woman has filed a harassment complaint, which may or may not seem justified. But then again, the professor’s conduct might seem dubious, too. Things proceed to blow up dramatically, in a play that has provoked strong feelings—and clashing opinions—among audience members over the years. Kinetic presents Oleanna with a strong duo of actors: David Whalen as the professor and emerging star Mei Lu Barnum as the student. See Oleanna in a setting that puts you up close to the fireworks at the Richard Rauh Studio Theatre. 7:30 p.m.. Through July 28 in the basement (Level B) of the Cathedral of Learning, 4200 Fifth Ave., Oakland. (M.V.)

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