Two Burnaby students are in the spotlight as an Oscar Wilde classic comes to life on the Douglas College stage.
The college's department of theatre is teaming up with the stagecraft and event technology department to stage The Importance of Being Earnest, onstage March 7 to 14.
Wilde's comedy, first performed in the 1890s, tells the story of stylish Algernon Moncrieff and gentlemanly John Worthing, close friends who each encounter romantic conflict while masquerading under the name of Ernest.
"Wilde's play is light-hearted and humorous on the surface, but beneath that he is delivering some sharp critiques of the society and times he lived in," said director Thrasso Petras in a press release. "I think this work still resonates with us because we all come up against social or cultural boundaries when trying to figure out our own happiness."
Petras notes that the play can be a challenge for beginning actors.
"The world of the Victorian era can be unfamiliar and difficult to connect with," Petras pointed out. "Our theatre students had to immerse themselves in the period's culture, esthetics and even etiquette, until it became second nature."
The cast of theatre students includes two Burnaby students: Adam Tatelman as Lane and Rev. Canon Chasuble, and Aylin Vandeputte as Cecily Cardew.
The cast also includes Alexandria Gamache as Gwendolen Fairfax, Sam Hahn as Algernon Moncrieff, Olivia Lindgren as Lady Bracknell, Jordy Matheson as John Worthing and Heather Wyborn as Miss Prism.
The Importance of Being Earnest runs March 7 to 14 in the Studio Theatre at Douglas College, 700 Royal Ave.
Tickets are $10 to $12, and they're available through the Massey box office at 604-521-5050.
