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Articles and Reviews: Theatre

The Remarkable Oscar Wilde Alliance Francais

A biography of Wilde with interpolated epigrams and quotations from his work make up this one man show written by and staring Denis Rafter. At first it appears better suited to Wilde neophytes rather than devotees. Hearing the whole of ‘The Nightingale And The Rose’ is wonderful for those unfamiliar with the story, but tedious for those who’ve read it. Too much emphasis on Wilde as showman obscures his profundity. In these unserious post-modern times, he is taken more seriously, because of his seeming frivolity. This aspect of his legacy gets lost in this otherwise worthwhile production. But the finale rendition of ‘Reading Gaol’ highlights the incomparable humanity and artistry of a great human being and artist.

First published in The Irish Times