Maria Aitken (Director) just directed August Strindberg’s Creditors at American Players Theatre. He moved to France under the name Sebastian Melmoth and, while there, wrote his famous poem “The Ballad of Reading Gaol.” He died in exile in 1900. He was sentenced to two years hard labor and was released in 1897. The Marquess of Queensberry strongly disapproved of the playwright, and a quarrel ensued that eventually led to Mr.

His play Salome (1893), written in French, was refused a license in London but, 13 years later, was adapted by Richard Strauss into a successful opera. Wilde had enormous success on stage with his comedies Lady Windermere’s Fan (1892), A Woman of No Importance (1893), An Ideal Husband (1895), and The Importance of Being Earnest (1895). His only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, was published in 1890 and was widely condemned by Victorian critics for its “immoral” content, but it remains one of his most acclaimed works. Oscar Wilde (Playwright, 1854–1900) was born in Dublin, Ireland, and attended University of Oxford, where he proved to be a brilliant scholar, winning the Newdigate Prize for his poem “Ravenna.” His first collection, Poems, was published in 1881. Groups of 10 or more may purchase discounted tickets, and tickets may also be purchased as part of a money-saving season package. This production is supported in part by the Jean and Gary Shekhter Fund for Classic Theatre. The Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Fund Running time: 2 hours, 25 minutes, including one intermission.

Video: Barry Edelstein talks about Oscar Wilde’s classic. The Globe’s lavish production of this timeless classic offers the unmissable opportunity to see what the London Telegraph calls “the most perfect comedy in the English language.” But when Algernon discovers that Jack has been posing as a man named Ernest to escape to the city, he promptly travels to Jack’s country estate to pose as the fictional figure himself! Silliness ensues with whimsical ingénues, jealous fiancées, indomitable dowagers, and the most famous handbag in theatre history. This “trivial comedy for serious people” features two carefree bachelors, Jack and Algernon, each with a carefully hidden double life. Oscar Wilde’s wildly entertaining comedy sparkles with dazzling wordplay and hilariously unlikely situations. The Old Globe and University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program.Community Group Readings and Performances.

The earnest of being earnest