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Oscar©

Melbourne

Cast and Synopsis

Synopsis

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Prologue

April 26, 1895

The trial of famed author Oscar Wilde commences. 10 years earlier, Britain’s Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1885 had criminalised all sex acts between men.
Prosecuted for his personal relationships, Oscar’s life and art are scrutinised under a 19th-century lens.

The Nightingale and the Rose

By Oscar Wilde

A lovestruck Student must provide the object of his desire, the Professor’s Daughter, with a red rose to win her affection. As he laments the lack of red roses in the garden, a Nightingale overhears his cries and takes pity on him, vowing to find him a red rose. After finding only yellow and white roses, the Nightingale at last discovers a red rose tree, but it is barren and the only way in which to produce a red rose is to sacrifice herself, singing her sweetest song and piercing her heart with the rose tree’s thorn. As dawn breaks and the Nightingale lies dead, the Student discovers the rose and joyfully presents it to his love. When she rejects him for another suitor, the distraught Student throws the rose to the ground, the Nightingale’s sacrifice has been in vain.

ACT I

Haunted by memories of all he has lost, Oscar Wilde sits in his jail cell with only the figure of his conscience for company. As he recalls a day long ago, the cell is transformed into a safe and loving family picnic where Oscar gathers his children to read them his fairy tale, The Nightingale and the Rose.

As Oscar tells the story, it is intertwined with memories, his life and writing crashing together. The love and respect he has for his wife Constance and their two boys, his stardom in London’s social circles, and his adoration for famous actresses Sara Bernhardt, Lille Langtry and Ellen Terry merge with elements from his fairy tale.

Oscar’s introduction to Robbie Ross is the start of their enduring relationship, first as lovers then as lifelong friends. Constance welcomes Robbie into their home, though she is unaware that Robbie is secretly introducing Oscar to a dark and sensual side of London, opening his eyes to a new and seductive world.

Interval

The Picture of Dorian Gray

By Oscar Wilde

After having his portrait painted by Basil Hallward, Dorian Gray becomes infatuated with his own image and knowing that his beauty cannot last forever, he makes a deal with the devil: in place of his own mortal ageing, the portrait will take on the ravages of life.

Years pass, and Dorian descends into a life of debauchery and criminality. His cruel treatment of actress Sybil Vane troubles the kind-hearted Basil and reveals the first crack in the portrait.

As the painting transforms to reflect the withered soul of Dorian, Basil, who has developed romantic feelings towards him, is blamed for its now grotesque appearance. Dorian reveals the horrific portrait to Basil before murdering him and finally destroying the painting, thus ending his own life.

ACT II

Prison has depleted Oscar’s body and mind. He is isolated, malnourished and has been subjected to hard labour. A bad fall has left him with tinnitus in his right ear. His once dazzling life of riches and success is now only a memory. Fraught with loneliness, Oscar's mind is invaded with scenes from The Picture of Dorian Gray, and memories of his tempestuous relationship with Bosie (Lord Alfred Douglas).

As Oscar and Bosie’s relationship deepens, Bosie becomes bolder, risking their exposure through increasingly dangerous encounters across London’s underworld. Bosie’s father, Lord Queensbury, closes in, determined to see Oscar's reputation destroyed and his eventual conviction.

As Oscar’s life collapses so does Dorian’s, restoring the portrait to its original beauty.

Epilogue

Oscar is released from prison on the 19th of May 1897 and is collected by his friend Robbie Ross. Oscar Wilde’s sparkling wit and brilliant writing live on to this day.