By Amanda VanNostrand.
Perspective – it is all a matter of perspective. Events as small as a simple word spoken or an action taken can be perceived or meant in different ways according to whom it is that says, does, or witnesses, and these misunderstandings – miscommunications – differences of perception – can create conflicts too complicated for the most adept of humans to sort through. As humans are not often the best of listeners or communicators, this is where conflicts arise. These conflicts can result in deadly battles, dangerous disputes, and are often left unresolved in the end. Oleanna, written in the early 1990s, concerns itself with these misconceptions and as relevant as gender disputes were in the 90s (and back through to the beginning of time), viewers are likely to relate to the story even more closely today. This play is showing at Walnut Street Theatre’s Independence Studio on 3, and it a must-see for anyone interested in opening their mind to new perspectives.
Oleanna is a story of two: Carol, a student, and John, Carol’s professor. The entirety of the show consists of conversations between them, and these conversations reveal the struggles between the two and within the society in which they reside. As Carol and John struggle to communicate with one-another, the audience watches as their relationship changes through their initial conversation to their last encounter. John (Johnnie Hobbs, Jr.) seems to feel that he has a strong grasp on life and his position, and has much to teach each of his students. Carol (Jessica Johnson) comes to John for guidance in his class and finds his teaching methods to be irksome, to say the very least. Both utilize words and actions that they feel are appropriate but that are perceived differently than each had intended. As their conversations unfold and Carol’s perspective is revealed, John’s dismay and incomprehension creates divides that only deepen as the story proceeds. In the movie version of this story, a famous line reads, “Whatever side you take…you’re wrong.” And by the end, any witness to this drama is likely to feel conflicted and may recall their loyalty to any one character changing at least once during the show.
Johnson and Hobbs work their parts together convincingly, which is certainly crucial for a story such as this. Intense feelings dissipate through the theater from beginning to end, from the stage to the seats, and right back around. Banksy once said, “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable,” and the acting in this show does just that. Johnson’s work in Oleanna is striking and she brings Carol’s character to light as she develops from a self-conscious, naïve college student into a confident, able-bodied woman who learns to stand up for herself and her values, and against the power and privilege of men. Johnson brings Carol’s emotions alive and her portrayal seems spot-on. Although the delivery of Hobbs’s lines is questionable at times and leaves the audience confused about whether he is struggling to speak fluidly or if it is part of John’s character (as John’s communication skills are certainly lacking), he remains a great actor for his part. Johnson and Hobbs are two excellent choices for these roles.
From the Anita Hill-Clarence Thomas debate in the 90s to the Christine Blasey Ford-Brett Kavanaugh debate, Americans (and the world) have witnessed these struggles in real life, through real, defining moments. Oleanna presents these issues in a seemingly smaller scale setting and though it does not involve the Supreme Court, it presents matters critical to the values of America just the same. Anyone who enjoys being taken for an emotional ride that will cause confusion in the best of ways, is likely to feel that their $35 is well spent; this show delivers an (unfortunately) timeless tale that will stick with viewers and cause them to question their perspectives of events and conflicts big and small. Timely and exceedingly important, one would hope that the theater is packed each night of this performance.