Glengarry Glen Ross by David Mamet at Soulpepper
David Mamet began his theatrical career in the 60's and by mid
70's began to collect awards. Some of his plays became movies with
famous actors in leading roles e.g. The Postman Always Rings
Twice with Jack Nicolson and Jessica Lange or The
Verdict with Paul Newman. He prefers strong subjects, controversial
issues and well-composed settings. Harold Pinter was his model and
mentor, visible in the significant influence on objects of his interest
and style. In 1983 Mamet sent a copy of Glengarry Glen Ross
to Pinter with a note “There is something wrong with this play.
What is it?” and Pinter responded “There is nothing wrong with this
play. I’m sending it to the National”. It was later staged at the
National and dedicated to Pinter.
 This was the final play in the season of Glengarry Glen Ross
at Soulpepper. but demand was so great that Management decided
to extend it to the second season with the same cast: Albert Schultz,
Eric Peterson, Peter Donaldson and Jordan Pettle. And even toward
the
 end of the run the actors don’t seem to be tired of it, there
is the fire and enthusiasm and passion in their acting – and their
vocabulary.
The story comes from Mamet’s personal experience working in a real
estate office early in his life, when several salesmen competed
and fought to make deals, and to close.
 Some are successful, some
are at the end of their tether, as they need to sell to make a commission,
to get a Cadillac. Most people see this play as a play about greed.
I see it more as a desperate attempt to survive in the mean world
of selling, a day-to-day attempt to continue living on commission,
appearing to be successful and believing in the game. And keep going.
Any method to obtain leads and to sell is acceptable,
 they lie,
steal, coerce and cheat. Some will end up losers, some will be winners.
It’s a game.
Although the merchandise they are selling are real estate packages,
it could be translated into shares, puts or calls, or for that matter
sub-prime mortgages. The play was coincidentally opening at Soulpepper
in 2009 when the markets were collapsing and sub-prime mortgages
were the subject of regrets. The audience was very much aware and
appreciative of references to current situations and so had no objections
to the brutal language floating from the stage.
The directing of David Storch is astounding: acting skills of such
experienced and mellowed actors are just a joy to watch. I am especially
fond of Albert Schultz, with his sleek persuasive style and cunning
smile. The play will close mid June,- it has been extended again.
More plays are coming at Soulpepper: David French’s
Jitters June 24 to July 24, then A Month in the
Country, a Turgeniev play, running July 6 to August 7.
What the Butler Saw by Joe Orton scheduled from August
19 to September 18.
Toronto is very lucky to have a 12 month a year professional theatre
like Soulpepper. the one and only one on this continent. It is growing,
expanding and attracting more and more audience. The web-site is
www.Soulpepper.ca and the box office number 416-866-8666.
Congratulations and good luck!
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