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Dorian
Dorian Gray – handsome, hedonistic, narcissistic – sells his soul for eternal beauty. Basil and Henry join him for the ride until it all goes too far, and the hangovers become murderous... Oscar Wilde's only novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray , was a succès de scandale on its publication in 1891, accused of violating the laws of public morality. It immediately captured the minds of its readers, the spirit of the age, and the soul of a man with nothing to declare but his genius. This thrilling stage adaptation by Phoebe Eclair-Powell and Owen Horsley follows one man's descent from glorious debauchery to epic self-destruction, intertwined with Wilde's own life story, his tragic persecution, and ultimate imprisonment in Reading Gaol. Its first full production premiered at Reading Rep Theatre in October 2021.
- GenresPlays
96 pages, Paperback
Published September 20, 2022
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 27, 2023
Possibly the queerest play I’ve ever encountered- and that’s saying something! As much as I would enjoy seeing an LGBT audience be transported by this fabulous mash up of gay London and Dorian Gray and Oscar Wilde’s own life, I would be equally enthralled by watching a straight audience trying to decipher the rapid, multi-layered gay cultural references. They would be hopelessly LOST. (But who cares. They have enough other things to enjoy).
My one critique is that I’m not sold on the Dorian Gray parts really succeeding as fully as they might have on their own terms. I found the Oscar Wilde scenes more compelling and was usually rushing to get back to his story. I also think there is perhaps a little too much levity. When things take a more serious turn, the play becomes far more substantial and memorable. There is a point where it stops being a campy drag show (which I love, by the way) and turns into something revelatory about gay men and their survival. I just wish it had turned that corner a little sooner.
My one critique is that I’m not sold on the Dorian Gray parts really succeeding as fully as they might have on their own terms. I found the Oscar Wilde scenes more compelling and was usually rushing to get back to his story. I also think there is perhaps a little too much levity. When things take a more serious turn, the play becomes far more substantial and memorable. There is a point where it stops being a campy drag show (which I love, by the way) and turns into something revelatory about gay men and their survival. I just wish it had turned that corner a little sooner.
March 14, 2024
what a beautiful and exhilarating play!
this modern twist on the story of the picture of dorian gray was such a refreshing read! the intertwining of the original and the life of oscar wilde was done exceptionally and the queer narrative was an eye opening view on this story!
“it is such a shame we had to lie don’t you think?.. a world where we don’t have to hide a version of ourselves in the attic of our childhood. what a queer thing” ahh it was just exceptional !
this modern twist on the story of the picture of dorian gray was such a refreshing read! the intertwining of the original and the life of oscar wilde was done exceptionally and the queer narrative was an eye opening view on this story!
“it is such a shame we had to lie don’t you think?.. a world where we don’t have to hide a version of ourselves in the attic of our childhood. what a queer thing” ahh it was just exceptional !
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews