Oleanna, The Duck Variations & more

A collection of dramas by the Pulitzer Prize-winning author David Mamet

A novelist, playwright, filmmaker and director, David Mamet ranks among America’s most famous living writers. He has penned more than 40 stage plays and over 20 screenplays, won numerous awards including the Pulitzer Prize for Glengarry Glen Ross, and was twice nominated for an Academy Award. Included here is one of his best-known plays, Oleanna, along with five pieces from earlier in his career – all featuring his trademark sharp, edgy dialogue that has come to be known as ‘Mamet-speak’.

Oleanna – University student Carol visits her professor for help, then accuses him of sexual harassment. What follows is an explosive power struggle that threatens to destroy them both… An incendiary exploration of gender, class, education and perception, Mamet’s provocative 1992 play divided audiences, and remains equally controversial today. This compelling adaptation stars Mark Bonnar and Cecilia Appiah, who won an Audio Drama Award for Best Actress for her portrayal of Carol.

The Woods – Spending the weekend at a lakeside cabin, a young couple test their relationship to breaking point over a night of storytelling, arguments, passion and violence. Robert Bowman stars as Nick and Lisa Orgolini as Ruth in this brilliant ‘battle of the sexes’ drama.

Joseph Dintenfass – In the New England countryside, Joseph has received visitors for the weekend. Late at night only Claire remains awake with him, and while she seems to offer a sexual relationship, in reality she is seeking something more. David Mamet’s one-act two-hander stars Edward Herrman and Jane Bertish.

Prairie du chien – 1910, and on a night train heading West through Wisconsin, a card game flares into violence, and a haunting story of love, murder and the paranormal unfolds… Starring Lee Montague, Michael Feast, William Hootkin and John Higgins.

The Duck Variations – One of the plays that launched Mamet’s career in the 1970s, this philosophical drama centres around two old men who meet on a bench overlooking the lake in a North American park. Their conversation encompasses not merely the habits of ducks, but also human nature. Cyril Shaps stars as George, with Harry Towb as Emil.

Almost Done – A recollection of a cold walk through the snow leads a young mother-to-be to contemplate the stories she will hand down to her child. Susannah Fellows performs this pensive monologue on time, memory and ageing.

Text copyright © 1972 (The Duck Variations), 1977 (The Woods), 1978 (Prairie du chien), 1979 (Almost Done), 1985 (Joseph Dintenfass), 1992 (Oleanna)

All rights reserved

Cast and credits

Written by David Mamet

Oleanna

John – Mark Bonnar

Carol – Cecilia Appiah

Produced and directed by Gary Brown

Production Co-ordinator: Lorna Newman

Sound Design: Sharon Hughes

Technical Producer: Alison Craig

The Woods

Nick – Robert Bowman

Ruth – Lisa Orgolini

Adapted and produced by Hilary Norrish

Production Assistant: Joanna Hopper

Joseph Dintenfass

Joseph – Edward Herrmann

Claire – Jane Bertish

Directed by Ned Chaillet

Prairie du chien

The Storyteller – Lee Montague

Card dealer – Michael Feast

Gin player – William Hootkins

Porter – Joseph Mydell

Listener – Jon Higgins

Listener’s son – Christopher L Martin

Directed by Andy Jordan

The Duck Variations

Emil – Harry Towb

George – Cyril Shaps

Directed by Ronald Mason

Almost Done

Performed by Susannah Fellows

Produced by Stuart Owen

© 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd