Patrick Marber's production of David Mamet's "Glengarry Glen Ross" at the Old Vic theatre in London features an all-female cast, a choice that has drawn critical attention. The play, originally written in the 1980s, is known for its intense portrayal of male ambition and the aggressive tactics of real estate salesmen in Chicago.
Indira Varma stars as Levene, a character central to the play's narrative of desperation and salesmanship, aiming to secure leads in a competitive environment. Dorothea Myer-Bennett plays Williamson, the hard-boiled office manager, while Rosa Salazar takes on the role of Roma, a fast-talking salesman. The cast also includes Nancy Crane as Aaranow and Mercedes Bahleda as Lingk.
Critics have noted the faultless performances from the cast, with Varma's portrayal of Levene highlighted for its intensity. The production aims for a direct and fast-paced rendition of Mamet's dialogue, which is famously explicit and aggressive.
However, the decision to cast women in these roles has led to questions about its impact on the play's core themes. The original "Glengarry Glen Ross" is characterized by its depiction of toxic masculinity, a concept that the all-female casting potentially dilutes. The review suggests that the play's inherent aggression and the threat of violence, central to its dramatic tension, are softened in this new interpretation.
The actors wear gender-ambiguous suits, but subtle feminine touches are present. The production is described as functional and well-acted, but the critical question posed is whether the artistic choice enhances or detracts from Mamet's original work. The review posits that while the play is not diminished, it is not significantly enhanced either, leading to speculation about whether a play more organically suited to a female cast might have been a more impactful choice.
"Glengarry Glen Ross" continues its run at the Old Vic theatre until July 18.