Synopses & Reviews
Wildes most popular play is considered his wittiest and finest comedy. The plays subtitle, “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People” hints at its clever wordplay, ingenious epigrams, and sly British humor. It is a story of multiple mistaken identities—both deliberate and unintentional- and what ultimately becomes a hilarious exercise in keeping everyones name and pseudonym straight.
First performed in 1895, it has enduring appeal as dramatic literature and in live theatrical performance. This edition includes an appendix with Wildes earlier versions of the play and deleted scenes that illustrate Wildes creative process.
Synopsis
“Comes as close to perfection as any comedy I can think of.”—Daily Telegraph
Oscar Wilde's "trivial play for serious people" is a sparkling comedy of manners. This hilariously absurd satire pits sincerity against style, barbed witticisms against ostentatious elegance. Wilde's brilliantly constructed plot and famous dialogue enrich the appeal of his celebrated characters, as he turns accepted ideas inside out and situations upside down in this, his masterpiece.
Synopsis
Wildes most popular play is considered his wittiest and finest comedy. The plays subtitle, “A Trivial Comedy for Serious People” hints at its clever wordplay, ingenious epigrams, and sly British humor. It is a story of multiple mistaken identitiesboth deliberate and unintentional- and what ultimately becomes a hilarious exercise in keeping everyones name and pseudonym straight.
First performed in 1895, it has enduring appeal as dramatic literature and in live theatrical performance. This edition includes an appendix with Wildes earlier versions of the play and deleted scenes that illustrate Wildes creative process.