Sexism and political correctness have been in the headlines recently with the high profile scandal involving a female linesman and two Sky Sports presenters, and now those issues take centre stage in a provocative drama by one of America’s greatest living playwrights at Norwich’s Maddermarket Theatre.

Oleanna, by David Mamet, portrays the devastating fall-out when a liberal-minded college professor is confronted with a charge of sexual harassment from a vulnerable female student with a hidden agenda.

Described in Talkin Broadway Review as “One of the most radioactive male-female confrontations ever committed to the stage”, this notorious two-hander became infamous during its run on Broadway and London’s West End for enraging both male and female playgoers and for ruining many a cosy post-show supper with its battle-of-the-sexes theme.

Now Norwich theatre goers can see what all the fuss is about in an uncompromising production of a challenging play with a top-notch cast at Norwich’s premier venue for drama.

Director Stephen Picton said: “Although the play was written in 1992 when the concept of political correctness was relatively new, recent headlines show the issues remain as relevant as ever. Apart from being a monumental challenge for two actors, David Mamet really knows how to push all the right buttons to get people talking. Not many plays can make an audience quite as hot under the collar as this one.”

Oleanna runs at Maddermarket from 17-26 February with a matinee performance on the 26th. The play contains strong language.