“The truth is rarely pure, and never simple.” — Oscar Wilde
What’s in a name? Wilde’s masterful comedy follows a young man and his friend on a journey that leads to an unexpected discovery. Part comedy, part mystery, this story of love, manners and mistaken identity is a classic that never grows old.
Oscar Wilde (Playwright) was an Anglo-Irish poet, author, and playwright. He contributed to publications such as Pall Mall Gazette and he wrote the novel The Portrait of Dorian Gray. Perhaps most recognized for his work as a playwright, Wilde wrote plays such as Lady Windermere’s Fan, An Ideal Husband, Salome, and The Importance of Being Earnest. Shortly after The Importance of Being Earnest premiered, Wilde was imprisoned for two years. He was arrested after losing a libel case against the Marquess of Queensberry. Wilde had had an ongoing affair with Marquess’ son and was charged with gross indecency. While in prison, he wrote a well-known 55,000-word letter to his love called De Profundis. After his release from prison, he published portions of the letter, including The Ballad of Reading Gaol. He died shortly after he was freed at the age of 46. He lived his life extravagantly, but he suffered greatly.