David Mamet’s $25,000 threat to theatres over post-show talks

Stage | The Guardian: Post-show panel discussions, often including directors and actors, have become increasingly commonplace in British theatres and cinemas, and are usually enjoyed by artists and audiences alike. But count David Mamet out. The American playwright, author of hits such as House of Games and Glengarry Glen Ross, has imposed an extraordinary ban on any formal post-show talks about his work.

The licence to stage a Mamet play now includes a clause that prevents producers from staging official debates within two hours of a performance. Any violation risks the loss of the licence and a fine of $25,000 for every post-show talk.