The Importance of Being Earnest

The Importance of Being Earnest
by Oscar Wilde

Downstage Theatre at Sarah Lawrence College
April 2006



Act I - Algernon's townhouse

The red brocade curtains conceal the set for Act III, while the reverse sides of the panels act as the bay window in Act II.




Act II - The garden at the country house

The ferns were borrowed from the Sarah Lawrence Greenhouse. The landscaper was only too willing to let us borrow them, and helped in their selection. According to her, these types of "exotic" trees were very popular in English Gardens of the time. The panels that make up the bay window conceal the furniture for Act III.




Act III - John Worthing's country house

John Worthing is obviously less extravagant in his aesthetic taste than Algernon. I felt the brighter colors mirrored the location in the sunny countryside. The green curtains conceal the set of Act I. The symmetry of the panel placement is intended to complement the final tableau of all the lovers side by side, with Lady Bracknell at center stage.

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