Written by Carly Diane Kester
“The Importance of Being Earnest,” a play byOscar Wilde, will be performed by theater students at Harding University during Spring Sing weekend, April 9-11, and April 16-18.
The play revolves around four main characters, Jack Worthing, Algernon Moncrieff, Gwendolen Fairfax and Cecily Cardew.
Jack (Ernest) Worthing is a man who was abandoned by his parents and adopted by an old man. He became the guardian of the old man’s granddaughter and is in love with his friend’s cousin. He leads a double life as both Ernest and Jack.
Algernon Moncrieff is Jack’s best friend who has known him for years. In order to get out of social obligations, he has invented an imaginary friend whom he claims to have sicknesses and must take care of him.
Gwendolen Fairfax is a member of high society who is in love with Jack, whom she knows as Ernest, and is Algernon’s cousin. She claims she will not marry anybody without the name “Earnest.”
Cecily Cardew is the granddaughter of the old man who took Jack in. She has imagined a romance between herself and Jack’s brother, “Ernest.”
The play is set in the 1800s and is a comedy about deception, love and forgiveness. Wilde’s story has been adapted into many different media, including an opera, musical and films.
Show times and cast members will be announced in the spring.
