The Trials Of Oscar Wilde

European Arts Company presents a new play dramatising the libel and criminal trials of Oscar Wilde, written with Merlin Holland who is Wilde's only grandson.

Thursday 14 February 1895 was the triumphant opening night of The Importance of Being Earnest and the zenith of Wilde's career. Less than 100 days later, he found himself a common prisoner sentenced to two years hard labour. So what happened during the trials and what did Wilde say? Was he persecuted or the author of his own downfall? Using the original words spoken in court, we can feel what it was like to be in the company of a flawed genius - as this less than ideal husband was suddenly reduced to a man of no importance.

“I am one of those who are made for exceptions, not for laws” Oscar Wilde