David Mamet's 'Glengarry Glen Ross' is a masterful portrayal of 1980s capitalism, and the gender-swapped version is a fascinating experiment. The play, originally a dark comedy, takes on a new life in this all-female adaptation, directed by Patrick Marber. The wardrobe choices, with some women playing men in suits and others in skirts and heels, create an intriguing distance between character and actor, allowing for a unique exploration of masculinity.
The production's strength lies in its ability to capture the whip-smart dialogue and the competitive nature of the salesmen. Indira Varma's portrayal of Levene, the elder salesman, is particularly memorable. Her angry, invective-filled performance, devoid of the compassion shown by Jack Lemmon's character in the film adaptation, adds a layer of humor and exaggeration. The focus on making fun of these men, however, may overshadow the underlying tragedy of their failure to achieve the American dream.
Rosa Salazar's Roma stands out as a highlight, exuding smooth wheeler-dealer energy. The other salesmen, Aaronow and Moss, are less defined, with Nancy Crane and Niky Wardley struggling to bring depth to their characters. Dorothea Myer-Bennett's Williamson, on the other hand, feels rather functional, lacking the menace that one might expect from an office manager.
The gender-swapped production raises interesting questions about the nature of capitalism and patriarchy. Why do these women feel the need to 'perform' masculinity rather than embracing their female identities in a capitalist system? The era of Margaret Thatcher, with women entering traditionally masculine spaces, could have provided a rich backdrop for this exploration. However, the production's focus on the magnification of masculinity may have missed an opportunity to delve deeper into the complexities of gender dynamics.
The purpose of this gender reversal remains unresolved, and the production's overall impact is somewhat mixed. While it offers a fresh perspective on a classic play, it leaves one wondering if the gender swap was the best approach to capture the essence of Mamet's original work. The Old Vic's interpretation of 'Glengarry Glen Ross' is a thought-provoking experiment, but it may not fully satisfy those seeking a deeper exploration of the play's themes.
