John (David Sapiro, left) and Carol (Ben Parman) share a tense moment in the Alchemist Theatre production of David Mamet’s drama “Oleanna.” Credit: Sydonia Luccesi

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Milwaukee's Alchemist Theatre has canceled its production of the David Mamet drama "Oleanna" after one performance after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from the playwright's representatives over the theater company's decision to cast a male actor in the play's lead female role.

"Oleanna," introduced to audiences shortly after the Anita Hill/Clarence Thomas hearings in 1991, centers on the relationship between a professor and a female student who accuses him of harassment and rape.

In Alchemist's production, which opened Thursday night, Ben Parman was cast in the role of Carol, the student. David Sapiro plays John, the professor.

In a statement issued Friday evening, Erica Case and Aaron Kopec, owners of Alchemist Theatre, said: "We excitedly brought this story to the stage because even though it was written years ago, the unfortunate story that it tells is still relevant today. We auditioned for this show looking for the best talent, not looking for a gender. When Ben Parman auditioned we saw the reality that this relationship, which is more about power, is not gender-specific but gender-neutral.

"We stayed true to each of David Mamet's powerful words and did not change the character of Carol but allowed the reality of gender and relationship fluidity to add to the impact of the story. We are so very proud of the result, of both Ben and David Sapiro's talent, and Erin Eggers' direction."

Dramatists Play Service, which represents Mamet and which gave Alchemist the rights to produce the play, didn't see it that way. The firm sent the cease-and-desist letter Friday, the day that reviews of the show appeared online and revealed the company's casting decision — a decision that the company went to unusual lengths to keep hidden before opening curtain.

In their statement on the cancellation, Case and Kopec said Alchemist will issue full refunds and complimentary tickets to another Alchemist show to each ticketholder.

Mamet and his agents have a history of being very protective of the playwright's work. Earlier this year, when Milwaukee's Next Act Theatre staged Mamet's play "Race," the contract barred talk-backs after the show. In 1999, his representatives sent a cease-and-desist letter barring a theater company in New York from staging an all-women production of "Goldberg Street."