001 - Preface to the Collected Plays of Oscar Wilde

Dive into the world of Oscar Wilde with two captivating fragments an unfinished piece and a lost gem. A Florentine Tragedy is Wilde’s most notable foray into tragedy, marked by its intense, domestic setting and an unexpected depth of character development. This poignant work was later transformed into an opera by Austrian composer Alexander Zemlinsky in 1917. Meanwhile, La Sainte Courtisane, also known as The Woman Covered in Jewels, delves into one of Wildes enduring themes the intricate dance between religious hedonism and pagan devotion. Both plays are imbued with Wildes signature style, exploring the profound sorrow that arises from the clash of fidelity and forbidden love. Written during the twilight of his tragic life, these fragments offer a glimpse into a brilliant mind at work visceral, passionate, personal, and poetic. (Summary by Simon Larois)
A Florentine Tragedy - cast Narrator TriciaG, GUIDO BARDI, A Florentine prince mb, SIMONE, a merchant Simon Larois, BIANNA, his wife Ruth Golding
La Sainte Courtisane - cast Narrator Ruth Golding, First man mb, Myrrhina Philippa, Second man L.French, Honorius woggy298
Edited by Ruth Golding