Actor Jeff Broitman paces across the stage, gesturing at actress Rebecca Droste as he lectures her about the hazing of today’s youth. Her face pale and tucked meekly into her shoulders, Rebecca takes notes and nods soberly. The playwright’s dialogue is serrated, full of interjections and half-completed thoughts. Actors are focused as they try to maintain control over it. They are rehearsing David Mamet’s Oleanna on the
Workhouse Theatre Company (WTC) stage at The Warren and it’s their first night “off book,” meaning that they can’t carry their scripts around anymore. “This is painful,” laughs Rebecca as she collapses playfully onto the stage. “It’s just a matter of drilling it,” says Jeff, “We’ll get it.”
For the past two hours, they have been pursuing one another verbally, taking risks and then retreating into the insulated worlds of their characters. Now smiling, Rebecca and Jeff come downstage center to hear notes from director Carolyn von Hauck and stage manager Misty Brehmer, both of whom have been scribbling onto yellow legal pads and in the margins of their scripts since rehearsal began. “This is what they sound like,” says Carolyn, “This is how they talk.”
In a world where words replace weapons, Oleanna is a disturbing real portrayal of the gut-wrenching struggle between a college student and the professor she accuses of sexual harassment. Oleanna will be performed over three weekends, beginning October 26. All evening shows start at 7:30 at The Warren (44th Ave and Osseo Rd.). WTC also offers one 2 p.m. Sunday matinee with each production this season. Tickets are $10 in advance and $12 at the door (students and seniors $8 in advance and $10 at the door), and are on sale at www.workhousetheatre.org and at The Warren. On Thursday, November 1, tickets are two for $15 for any Camden residents that request “The Camden Night Special” at the door. Workhouse Theatre’s 2007-2008 season is sponsored by Papa’s Pizza, Camden Pet Hospital, Rix Bar & Grill and Camden Music School.
Wednesday, November 7, Workhouse Theatre hosts an audition workshop at The Warren. Camden community members (and anyone else!) with an interest in live theatre performance but with little practical experience have the opportunity to learn what to expect in a low-pressure, fun and supportive environment. Company members explain the audition process, conduct practice “auditions,” and make actual audition pieces from their upcoming mainstage production, The Underpants. The workshop is free and begins at 7 p.m. Pre-register: 612-237-2014 or info@workhousetheatre.org. Auditions for The Underpants will be the week of November 12, and those interested in reserving a 10-minute audition time may contact WTC.