The Importance of Being Earnest

Anglo Cypriot Theatre (ACT) will be presenting the much-loved romantic comedy, The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde, in an adaptation by the director, John Williamson, for the summer show in the relaxing outdoor setting of St Paul’s Anglican Cathedral gardens in Nicosia at the end of June.

The Importance of Being Earnest, premiered in February 1895 and is regarded by many as Oscar Wilde’s comedy masterpiece. Reviewers see it as both a self-parody and a commentary on his own character and writings. His “sentimental comedy,” draws on older traditions of dark secrets from the past threatening the happiness of seemingly respectable, well-meaning people. Wilde had introduced a new character to the theatrical scene – the “dandy” (a man who is obsessed with his appearance) – here epitomised by the witty but apparently amoral Algernon. The character is seen as autobiographical, reflecting Wilde’s view of himself as a witty, overdressed observer ridiculing society’s ways, and self-deprecatingly presenting himself as trivial, shallow, and ineffectual. In fact, the dandy proves to be deeply moral and essential to the happy ending. The Importance of Being Earnest was Wilde’s last play before being engulfed in the fallout of his relationship with the poet Lord Alfred Russel, then seen as scandalous, which eventually lead to his arrest, imprisonment, financial ruin and self-imposed exile to France.

The Importance of Being Earnest has been adapted and directed by John Williamson, who has been an actor since the age of 7, has previously directed successful ACT shows, such as Closer. John’s adaptation updates the tale of two couples who fall in love but who have major issues with both honesty and their names. However, Wilde’s trademark snappy one-liners and witty rejoinders remain. Producer, Leila Saad, who brings her years as an actor, director, producer and professor of theatre and communication to support the production team, said the production would be ‘A fun, fast-paced modern interpretation of Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy of manners’

The cast includes Ricky Iacovou, David Dimitriou, Jill McDonald, Chrisanthi Livadiotis, Hilary Ives, Graham Thomas, Aleen Andreou, James Mackay and Mary Spyrou.

ACT President, Graham Thomas, said “A great play by a comic genius set in ACT’s version of ‘Glyndebourne’. What more does a discerning audience need?”

ACT (Anglo Cypriot Theatre) was founded in 1982 and has been entertaining audiences in Cyprus ever since. Each year the volunteer members put on a variety of productions from comedy to drama, Shakespeare to Christmas shows and also get together for social events. ACT receives no money from government sources but funds all its activities from membership fees and ticket sales. Every year, the group donates funds to local charities. The main charity for 2015/2016 is the Freedom Dolls Initiative, supporting trafficked women.

For further information contact Leila Saad (Co-producer) 97850565
Media Sponsor: The Cyprus Mail
Tickets: Phone 99924363 or email [email protected]
Website: www.act.org.cy
Facebook: ACT – Anglo Cypriot Theatre (group)