"You know what is free enterprise? The freedom of the individual to embark on any fucking course that he sees fit." - Teach, Act 2
As a young actor in 2025, American Buffalo captivated my imagination because it is unlike anything being made today.
Beneath the foul-mouthed, two-bit hustling these men take upon themselves, the play examines the illusory streetview of the American Dream; a bill of goods sold to this day.
The story questions business relationships over friendship, honour among thieves, betrayal, self-loathing, and many other timeless themes. Thankfully, David Mamet imbues these nitwits with an oblivion that makes them amusing to watch.
Despite exploring the lower levels of human experience, American Buffalo remains a high watermark of the lyrical and the poetic. Mamet's rare gift of capturing the natural rhythm of everyday speech is paradoxically one of the more evasive tasks for an actor. Honouring this work as a piece of music was our primary concern.
And what of these characters who succumb to their most narcissistic and self-absorbed tendencies? In them, there is a need to belong, a fear of failure, and a sense of pathos. Mamet's ability to let his audience both revile and pity the same character is a testament to the power of good theatre.
Thank you for watching,
Adam Iachelli
