There is much pleasure to be had when directing The Importance of Being Earnest because of the graceful cutting wit of the text. There is much comfort to be drawn from The Selfish Giant and Wilde's other children's stories because of the beauty of their message. However, it is his only play originally written in French and performed in German, the opera Salomé, with music composed by Richard Strauss, that has continuously held me in a state of rapturous wonderment. It is a testament to Wilde's skill as an artist that he is able to bring to life a dark, brooding and scandalous tale that vibrates so spectacularly in this medium.

Director

One of the most distinguished writers of the late nineteenth century, Oscar Wilde was a supporter of the aestheticism movement, an intellectual and artistic movement that valued aesthetics more than morality. Contemporary readers of his works may find themselves drawn to his fascinating critique of the individual and his or her desires. The Importance of Being Earnest is a work that recognizes and confronts morality, or often lack thereof; they are honest reflections of ourselves and the flaws of society, and the absurdity of modern culture. In our social media and consumer driven world, Oscar Wilde reminds us of the consequences that can come from such materialistic pursuits. At the heart of this play is absurdism: an entertaining theatrical style, and more importantly, a mirror in which we can laugh at the most terrible things reflected within.

Author of an Extended Essay on Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray

The Importance of Being Earnest, a play from more than 110 years ago, is still performed today. This is testament to the playwright and author Oscar Wilde, who had an understanding of human nature and a flair for the dramatic. I mean, who isn't still haunted by elements within his novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray?

Serious social commentary and light humour rarely make the most comfortable of bedfellows. Wilde's writing and his personal life were both brilliantly and bravely defiant of any such narrow conventions.

Wilde's plays showcase his mastery in interrogating the foibles of humankind, spotlighting the pretentious, banal, contentious and comic manners that mark our interactions in private and public life.

Oscar Wilde left a considerable impression on me at an early age. His surprisingly candid and perceptive reflections, at the most difficult moments of his life, have always inspired me and allowed me to see the world a little bit differently.

An admirable fondness for foppish frippery and perfectly playful purple prose.

One of my favourite Wildean quotes comes from "A Woman of No Importance," one of his lesser renowned plays: "every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future." His compassion and wisdom knew no bounds. May you Oscillate Wildly!

My favourite Oscar Wilde quotation is: 'Most people are other people. Their thoughts are someone else's opinions, their lives a mimicry, their passions a quotation.' ... unfortunately quoting him in this way has just proven him right but still, if I'm going to be a poor shadow of anyone, let it be Oscar Wilde. A penniless, lonely death in Paris here I come!

I first encountered The Importance of Being Earnest through performance theatre- it was in a blooming garden on the grounds of Herstmonceux Castle, England, during a Spring university study abroad program. The following weekend, I travelled to Paris to seek out his tomb in the Père Lachaise Cemetery, which is splattered with lipstick kisses. Wilde left an indelible mark on the human spirit.