Introvert Tea Party: "The Importance of Being Earnest"

Time to get back to our roots! It’s Saturday night and it’s time for introverts to unite–separately–to party like we don’t have to talk to anyone. But I’m going to switch things up. This weekend, I went out to see a show. I live near the Portland area and the Portland theatre scene is easily one of the best parts of living in the metro area. There are so many big and small stages to choose from that there’s literally always something to see. You might even find a show a Monday. 

And as much as I love weekend nights in, you can absolutely get me out of my condo for a good theatrical production. Not to mention, especially in these times, live theatre has been hit extremely hard by funding cuts. If you’re joining me this weekend in treating yourself to a night out, either on your own or with friends and family, consider getting tickets for a live show and support your local arts scene. 

I realize live theatre can be expensive, so if money is a concern but you’re very interested in theatre, consider looking into less expensive ticket options. For example, Portland has a program called Arts for All that many theatres–even some of the big ones–participate in. The Arts for All program allows those who qualify to purchase tickets for $5. I also know a few theatres in my area who operate in a pay what you can capacity, meaning there’s no set price for general seating, you simply pay what you can afford knowing that every dollar helps the theatre. And there may be other options I’m not aware of, so if you’re feeling like you’re missing out on all the great theatre in your area, I highly recommend you look around for more inclusive options. 

This weekend, I went to see The Importance of Being Earnest at Portland Center Stage. Originally written by Oscar Wilde, adapted by Kamilah Bush, and directed by Josiah Davis, the story is a classic comedy of manners with iconic Oscar Wilde flair, including lasting lines like, “The truth is rarely pure and never simple,” and “All women become like their mothers. That is their tragedy. No man does. That is his.”

For those who may not be familiar, Oscar Wilde was an 19th century playwright well-known for his witty humor that often poked fun at high-society. He was also gay and spent a great deal of time in the secret circles that homosexual men formed to protect themselves from an oppressive society. This included secret lingo only they would be privy to, many of which are used in The Importance of Being Earnest. Not that anyone not in the know would realize. The play is so expertly written that those who understood could pick up on the subtle references in the dialog, but everyone else could also enjoy the story without being any the wiser. 

Unfortunately, just a few months after the show debuted, Oscar Wilde was charged with gross indecency (because being gay was illegal) and sentenced to two years hard labor. He was immediately exiled upon release and died three years later, impoverished. 

It was the reality for queer individuals at the time, that being discovered could have real legal consequences. Which is partly what makes The Importance of Being Earnest so exceptional. Being able to quietly celebrate his community while still creating an incredible story gives us so many layers of complexity to unpack and enjoy, even over a century later. 

Bush’s adaptation places the story in Washington D.C. in 1910 and more overtly celebrates LGBTQIA+ individuals, including a reference to the first known drag queen, William Dorsey Swann. And I don’t think this choice detracts from the cleverness of the story. In fact, I think Wilde would love to know there’s a world in which his community could openly share their love. Even during a time when queer rights are experiencing an emboldened wave of resistance, some aspects of progress can’t be reversed. And there will never be a world where queer love doesn’t exist.

I loved this performance with its fantastic costumes, hilarious performers, beautiful sets, and a special shoutout to lighting and sound for how they enhanced the show. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend if you live in the Portland area. It closes on June 29th, so if you haven’t seen it yet and want to, you’ll want to hustle. 

And if you’re not in the Portland area, consider supporting your local theatre scene in any way you can. Sometimes, art is the most effective form of resistance and showing support allows these amazing theatres to keep their doors open.