David Mamet
David Mamet was born on 30 November 1947 in Chicago to Jewish parents, Lenore June ( Silver), a teacher, and Bernard Morris Mamet, an attorney. He was educated at the progressive Francis W. Parker School and at Goddard College in Plainfield, Vermont. At the Chicago Public Library Foundation 20th anniversary fundraiser in 2006, though, Mamet announced 'My alma mater is the Chicago Public Library. I got what little educational foundation I got in the third-floor reading room, under the tutelage of a Coca-Cola sign'.
Mamet and actress Lindsay Crouse were married in 1977 and divorced in 1990. He and Crouse have two children, Willa and Zosia. Willa is a professional photographer and Zosia is an actress. Mamet has been married to actress and singer-songwriter Rebecca Pidgeon since 1991. They have two children, Clara and Noah.
Notable Works
Mamet has written a huge body of work with stage plays, screenplays for films and books. This is just a small sample of his more notable works. Plays: The Duck Variations (1972); Sexual Perversity in Chicago (1974); American Buffalo (1975); Glengarry Glen Ross (1983); Oleanna (1992); Boston Marriage (1999). Films: The Postman Always Rings Twice (1981); House of Games (1987); The Untouchables (1987); Homicide (1991); Hannibal (2001).
Trade Marks
The telephone is often a key device or weapon in his works
His films feature bursts of fast moving, profane dialog
Often casts his wife, Rebecca Pidgeon, in prominent roles in movies he directs. While he was married to Lindsay Crouse, the same was true for her.
Great attention to realistic dialogue, often the actors in his films stutter or even leave a large portion of their lines unsaid.
Trivia
Well known for the rhythmic nature of his dialogue, he actually uses a metronome during rehearsals to perfect the actors' delivery of it.
His play "Boston Marriage" was nominated for a 2002 'Laurence Olivier' Theatre Award for Best New Comedy of 2001.
Eschews using a personal computer to write his screenplays and plays, preferring to use his old-fashioned typewriter.
Used to work as a waiter at Second City Theater in Chicago.
Was twice nominated for Broadway's Tony Award for Best Play: in 1984 for "Glengarry Glen Ross," and in 1988 for "Speed-the-Plow.".
He wanted to be an actor as a young man but his attempts failed so he turned to writing and directing in order to stay in the industry.
Occasional co-lyricist for his wife, singer Rebecca Pidgeon.
His play, "Glengarry Glen Ross", was awarded the 1984 Joseph Jefferson Award for Play Production at the Goodman Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.
Won the 1984 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "Glengarry Glen Ross" and was nominated for the 1995 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for the play "The Cryptogram".
Based 'Glengarry Glen Ross' on his own time working in a Real Estate office.
This play was staged at Havant Arts Centre, East Street Havant - Bench Theatre's home since 1977.
| Anna | Robin Hall |
| Claire | Julie Wood |
| Catherine | Jessi Wilson |
Crew
| Director | Mark Wakeman |
| Producer | Dan Finch |
| Stage Manager | Verity Butler |
| Lighting Design | Andrew Caple |
| Sound Design | Julie Wood |
| Lighting Operation | Ingrid Corrigan |
| Sound Operation | Tasmin Halford |
| Set Design | David Penrose |
| Set Construction | David Penrose, Pete Woodward |
| Accent Coaching | Sian Green |
| Costumes | Sue Dawes, Di Wallsgrove, Cast, Crew |
| Programme | Derek Callam |
| Photography | Dan Finch |
| FOH Manager | Sally Hartley |
Director's Notes
Those of you who have been paying close attention for the last few years will have noticed that I've been pitching and directing plays with strong female roles to try and ensure that our female performers got a chance to shine and this play is the final play of that bunch.
When I made it known that I was looking for such plays Robin Hall, who plays Anna so deliciously tonight, placed this play in my hands and told me to read it. I must confess it wasn't immediately obvious to me that I should direct it. While it was a comedy, it was a bit wordy (and, dare I say, intellectual) for my usual tastes, but I thought it was a cracking play and one that offered an all-too-rare experience. An all-female cast and a small cast as well offering the chance for some towering performances.
So like when I directed 'Little Women' I thought I would try and challenge myself again, stepping out of my comfort zone a little and direct a play which I thought we could perform well and which our audiences might enjoy. So here it is. I hope that you like it.
As usual I was would like to give thanks to my incredible cast and crew who have thrown everything they have into making this show work for you, the viewing audience. Also I would like to thank you, our audience, for coming to support local theatre. In this dark economic climate local groups like ourselves get hit hard and your generous support and encouragement is always gratefully received.
I hope you enjoy your evening and that we see you back here for our next show, 'Supernova VII', in February.
Mark Wakeman
Production Photographs
