Teacher Guide

Oleanna Lesson Plan

Introduction to Oleanna

One of David Mamet's most controversial and well-known plays, Oleanna was written in the early 1990s and first performed in May of 1992 at the Back Bay Theatre Company in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The play is a two-character, three-act play that takes place entirely in a college professor's office. The play is primarily concerned with sexual harassment and the new interpersonal power struggles that have emerged since the rise of the identitarian social movements of the mid to late 20th century. The play's title is taken from a Norwegian folk song that critiques a utopian vision of America.

The original production starred William H. Macey and Mamet's wife, Rebecca Pidgeon. In October of...

Join Now to View Premium Content

GradeSaver provides access to 2368 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11018 literature essays, 2791 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.

Join Now

Already a member? Log in