Come for the Farce, Stay for the Romance!
- Portland Observer
- May 7
- 1 min read
A Bold, Witty New Adaptation of The Importance of Being Earnest
Portland Center Stage is proud to present the world premiere of The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde’s iconic comedy of manners, newly adapted by playwright Kamilah Bush. Directed by Josiah Davis, this wildly funny production runs June 1–29 on the U.S. Bank Main Stage. Tickets are on sale now, including sliding scale tickets for BIPOC Affinity Night, a.k.a. The People’s Party, on Thursday, June 12 at 7:30 p.m., and Pay-What-You-Will performances on Sunday, June 1 and Wednesday, June 18, both at 7:30 p.m.
Set in a version of 1919 that nods knowingly at today, this Earnest unfolds in a world not unlike D.C. in our current moment—where wealth, identity, and reputation remain a currency of survival. Bush reimagines Wilde’s dandies as queer-coded, class-hopping schemers: Jack is the “femme fastidious one,” Algernon, the “masc party boy.” The result is a joyful farce with teeth—delivering Wilde’s infamous wit while interrogating who gets to shape the rules of decorum, desire, and decency. Come for the farce, stay for the romance!
This Earnest is a visual feast, with a sumptuous, maximalist design that marries gorgeous period silhouettes with contemporary flair. Lavish costumes, striking scenic elements, and vibrant color palettes create a world that’s as deliciously over-the-top as Wilde’s wit.
“The rare work of art that achieves perfection on its own terms.” — The New York Times on Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest.
For more information on the show, please visit https://www.pcs.org/the-importance-of-being-earnest.
