In the shadow of the gaol
Irish poet and playwright Oscar Wilde, famously incarcerated in Reading Gaol for his homosexuality, is the focus of their new production, The Importance of Being Oscar.
From May, the Rep will see the return of director Michael Fentiman for the new iteration of Micheál Mac Liammóir’s work, produced in collaboration with Original Theatre.
It explores the works as well as the life of Wilde, portrayed by Alastair Whatley.
Paul Stacey, artistic director and founder of Reading Rep, said: “It’s a one man show that looks back over the work of Oscar Wilde – it celebrates the wit, the joy, and also the pathos of the story that is his life.
“With the recent news about the gaol, which the Rep feels like it is in the shadow of to a certain extent, it’s a new lens through which to view his life.”
He explained: “While the play is about 50 years old, we have a new adaptation of it for the first time for audiences in Reading– I can’t wait to share it.
“It covers some of the poignant story of how he ended up in the gaol, as well as some of his best work, but it’s fresh and vibrant.
“It features some of the most famous bits of his life and work, as well as bits they wont, but overall it’s just a beautiful story, and we’re very lucky to have been given the rights to perform it here in Reading.”
He continues: “Reading Rep has a bit of a tradition of telling queer stories and stories from marginalised communities.
“I can’t help but think that’s part of the appeal of Wilde’s work; his is a tragic story, but he tells it in a way only Oscar could.”
Wilde was the subject of what has been called one of the first celebrity trials and was imprisoned in Reading Gaol after being convicted of gross indecency for homosexual acts.
He has come to symbolise the gaol, with graffiti artist Banksy paying homage to Wilde’s works with his piece depicting a prisoner escaping over the gaol’s high walls using a typewriter.
Paul explained that the production has seen something of a powerhouse team behind it.
“We’re really lucky to have Mike Fentiman directing as well, who did our adaptation of Jekyll and Hyde, which transferred to the Royal Lyseum earlier this year– he’s worked on West End a number of times, too.
“Our sound designer, Barnaby, was nominated for a Grammy award for his work on Amelie, our lighting designers have worked at Chichester and The National.
“To be bringing these sorts of creatives to the production really feels like a fantastic opportunity.”
He explained: “It almost feels like it’s been written for the Reading audience, and there are some particularly pertinent moments.
“Reading is where Wilde almost finished his life, and we see him in those moments, quoting his work from his time there, and that feels quite special to be able to celebrate.
“We’re also holding a number of talks and events discussing Wilde’s position in Reading, especially because it was for a particularly troubling reason, so we make sure to factor that into the discourse on that.”
This is another part, he adds, of the Rep’s remit to bring stories of marginalised communities to the fore: “It’s part of our responsibility to give a voice to those who haven’t been heard, often because they’ve been marginalised.
“It’s enjoyable and fun too, but we have that obligation to try and ensure that we break down those barriers that prevent people from accessing truly exceptional stories and theatre.”
■ Reading Museum is hosting an Oscar Wilde Tour on Saturday, May 25, which will explore Wilde’s origins in Ireland, his career in London, and his part in Victorian society.
It features a talk in the museum as well as a guided walk around some of the places linked to the author’s life in Reading.
Information is available via: readingmuseum.org.ukr
■ The Importance of Being
Oscar is performed at Reading Repertory Theatre from Thursday, June 23, to Saturday, June 8.
Tickets and accessibility information are available via: readingrep.com/the-importanceof-being-oscar