Kicking Oscar's Corpse

Details

Gavin Armstrong's play provides an utterly contemporary, densely psychological look at the relationship between Bosie and Oscar, betrayal and the draconian notions of morality pervading Victorian society. Kicking Oscars Corpse was in part inspired by the work of Amnesty International and is supported by Oscar Wilde's grandson Merlin Holland. The play highlights the plight of individuals around the world who suffer abuse of their human rights as a result of their vision for their life which clashes with local conventions of morality. Through the use of innovative theatrical techniques, the play weaves the stories of contemporary 'Oscar's' into the performance. It especially focuses on a 23-year-old homosexual in Syria, who immediately inspired Giles when he met him while working as a freelance travel journalist. For the young Syrian, Oscar is an icon, a source of great inspiration, a soul mate who shares similar experiences of public humiliation and terrifying periods in prison. He can quote any piece of Wilde's work and surrounds himself with portraits of the great man. Oscar is for him, utterly contemporary and when he sees how things have changed in Britain, he lives in hope that a similar cultural shift in his native land may afford him the freedom and respite he so desperately craves.

Cast/Performers

Anthony Barton, Imogen Church, Daniel Dresner, Amia Lemouchi, Allan Lischman, Oengus Macnamara, Daud Shah

Creatives/Company

Author: Giles Foreman
Director: Giles Foreman