Many of us know a little bit about Irish writer Oscar Wilde (1854-1900). He was the guy who wrote The Picture of Dorian Gray, right? Or perhaps The Importance of Being Earnest is what stands out.
But many people don’t know that Wilde was tried, convicted and jailed for being a homosexual.
The Bent, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, gives us the whole story in the first production of the company’s second season, Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde. Written by Moises Kaufman, it won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Off-Broadway play.
The story unfolds in the 1890s in England, where homosexuality (sodomy, in particular) was illegal. Wilde was having a relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas, a man 20 years younger. Douglas’ father, the Marquess of Queensberry, highly disapproved of the union and made public statements accusing Wilde of sodomy. Wilde was charged with “committing acts of gross indecency with other male persons.”
The first trial was brought by Wilde for libel against Queensberry, who was ultimately acquitted. The second and third trials against Wilde were for the aforementioned ”gross indecency.” While the jury could not reach a verdict in the second trial, in the third, Wilde was convicted and sentenced to two years in prison with hard labor. During the play, actors often read excerpts from actual court documents and newspaper accounts of the proceedings.
The first notable thing about The Bent’s production is the set, created by Steve Rosenbaum (who also directs) and Wilkinson. Center stage is an oversized, throne-like red chair, which serves as the witness stand. It is flanked on both sides by several smaller chairs, used by trial witnesses and narrators throughout the show. Seated high in the upstage right corner, presiding over it all, is the judge. Projected on the large screen behind the actors are excerpts of Oscar Wilde’s work. The set is simple, yet very effective.
Rosenbaum has assembled a strong cast. In the title role, Jason Mannino ably captures the Irishman’s wit and flamboyance. Oscar Wilde wanted beauty and happiness in his life, but he did not suffer fools gladly. We see that in Mannino’s depiction of Wilde, commenting on the publicity surrounding his legal troubles: “In the old days, men had the rack. Now they have the press.”
Alex Price is perfectly cast as Wilde’s lover, Lord Alfred Douglas. Tall, blonde and rosy-cheeked, he exudes the youthful libido that would catch Oscar Wilde’s eye.
Many of the actors ably play multiple roles, including Kai Brothers. As the Marquess of Queensbury, scandalized by his son’s affair with Wilde, he does a nice job of conveying the offense a father of that era might take at the situation. While he’s appropriately stiff-lipped and mostly in control (as the English are known to be), I longed to see his rage be a bit more intense at times.
Willie Mullins is terrific as Clarke, Wilde’s defense attorney, who looks very scholarly in his peruke (the highly styled white wigs barristers and judges wore in those days). Though he ultimately loses, Mullins deftly handles the case and seems to truly believe in his client.
As Carson, who prosecutes Wilde’s case, Stan Jenson is excellent. Stern-faced and gruff, he is unrelenting when cross-examining Wilde, determined to force the defendant to admit to his perversity.
Tony Bradford is quite good as the Judge. He is appropriately imperious, pompous and at times outraged about the salaciousness of the trials he is overseeing.
The four narrators (Melanie Blue, Barbara Kerr, Brent Anderson and Koby Queenen) deserve special mention. They are instrumental in keeping the story moving. Each plays multiple characters with great aplomb, and each has memorable moments onstage.
Kudos to Cherlyn Lanning and Scott Sterling Hill for the period costumes and wigs, which help transport us to another time and place.
Rosenbaum, who is The Bent’s artistic director, deserves much credit for his direction here. He elicits strong performances from his actors. Courtroom dramas can sometimes be stodgy and static, but Rosenbaum manages to avoid that. There is enough movement on stage to keep things interesting.
This production runs nearly two hours with no intermission. It seems a little long, but the story, the acting and the production values keep the audience’s attention.
The outcome of this trial was tragic for Oscar Wilde. He was ostracized and lived the last three years of his life in exile in France. His wife changed her name and that of their children. Lord Alfred Douglas repudiated Wilde, and went on to marry a woman and become a father. Lingering injuries from an improperly treated fall in prison took Wilde’s life in 1900.
But the ultimate tragedy is that not that much has changed. Though the Supreme Court ruled in 2003 that laws banning sodomy are unconstitutional, 12 U.S. states still have such laws on the books.
With this important play, The Bent’s second season is off to a great start. I am looking forward to seeing what Rosenbaum and managing director Terry Ray have planned for the coming months.
The Bent’s production of Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde will be performed at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday; and 2 p.m., Sunday, through Saturday, Oct. 28, at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 E. Baristo Road, in Palm Springs. Tickets are $40. For tickets or more information, visit thebent.org.
