Nineteenth century playwright Oscar Wilde’s downfall 100 years ago will be recaptured by 21 Rider University students in the fine arts department’s upcoming production of “Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde,” by Moisés Kaufman.

The production will run February 16, 17, 23 and 24 in The Yvonne Theater on the Lawrenceville campus. The curtain rises at 8 p.m. A preview performance will take place on Thursday, February 15 at 7 p.m. The production is for mature audiences.

Courtroom scene from “Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde”

Set in London, the plot focuses on Wilde’s plight as he sues his male lover’s father for libel in the first trial. His homosexuality is the central focus of the second and third trials. “This is a play about ideas, what art truly is or what it should be, and how society responds to uncomfortable ideas,” said Miriam Mills, adjunct assistant professor of fine arts and the play’s director. “The message is as relevant today as it was 100 years ago. It’s about power and responsibility. Wilde believed he could write whatever he desired without any consequences. He was clearly wrong.”

Cast members of “Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde”

The play’s dialogue is taken verbatim from the trials. Scenarios are excerpts from Wilde’s work. “Oscar Wilde was one of the world’s greatest writers,” added Mills. “I thought it would be challenging material. My students had to have the ability to master the language which, at times, is of the same level of difficulty as a Shakespearian play.”

“My hope is that audiences come away from the play thinking about what art must be and what art should not be,” said Mills. “There are no right answers. Everyone’s truths are different.”

Tickets are $10 for the general public and $5 for students, faculty and staff. Tickets for the preview performance are $4 at the door. For more information, call 609-896-5303.

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