The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde

Daily from Tue, Nov 22, 2016 to Sat, Nov 26, 2016 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm

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Fast, funny and full of wit, Oscar Wilde’s comedy of manners, The Importance of Being Earnest takes to the University Theatre stage Nov. 22 – 26 at 7:30 pm nightly. This hilarious play promises to deliver exquisite repartee and offer plenty of surprises along the way.

Considered to be Wilde’s most perfect work, and one of the best comedy plays in the English language, The Importance of Being Earnest has delighted audiences since its first performance in 1895. Delving into the nuances of high society and the ridiculous trivialities of the English elite, the Department of Drama’s second mainstage of the season showcases farce at its finest!

Director, Andrew Legg (MFA ’13), enthusiastically invites audiences to take in all the sights, sounds and silliness of this classic comedy. “The wit in this play is unparalleled, and the dialogue is some of the cleverest written,” says Legg.

“The Importance of Being Earnest revolves around younger and older generations, their relationships and interactions, and about the ridiculous lies that evolve when chasing love,” says Legg. With the ages of many of the characters about the same ages as the cast, the themes are still very relevant today, as they were in 1895. “It’s about younger people pushing boundaries, but the humour emerges from the little things that are a big deal and the big things that end up being trivial,” explains Legg.

The production transports audiences to the era of Art Nouveau, with a sumptuous set, designed by Benjamin Toner (BFA - Dramatic Arts '14) and costumes by drama faculty, Jorge Sandoval. A feast for both the eyes and ears, this lavish production pairs extravagance with sharp and witty dialogue, perfectly embodying the theme as a trivial play for serious people!

Tickets for The Importance of Being Earnest are available at the U of L Box Office, Monday – Friday (12:30 pm – 3:30 pm) or by calling (403) 329-2616. Tickets are also available online: ulethbridge.ca/tickets.

Ticket prices are $18 regular, $13 senior/alumni, $12 students.