THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST

The Importance of Being Earnest was written in the late nineteenth century and is playwright Oscar Wilde’s most enduringly popular work owing to its high farce and witty dialogue. Described as a “comedy of manners” it is set in a world where all that matters is class, society and fashion.

“This play is about manners – how we interact in society and how we fit in with elements of pretence and snobbery,” explains director Brandon Martignago.

“There have been no rewrites to this script since its first performance. The period, time and places in this play are Victorian, but visually it’s set in a contemporary world.”

The two male leads take on different identities, dependent on whether they are living in London or the countryside, and earnestness seems to evade most of the characters.

“Today’s audiences should relate to this play as there are still class systems in place which people live by,” Martignago says.

“This is classic, bright, fresh and bold theatre – a play which is interesting, clever and hilarious all at the same time. Come along for a fun night and enjoy this well written comedy – it’s going to be WILDE!” (MM)

Jul 11-Aug 3, Seymour Centre, Cleveland St & City Rd, Chippendale, $38, seymourboxoffice.com.au