‘Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde’ shows off the wit, audacity of author and his famous cases

By Heather Crabtree
The Entertainer

The set for “Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde” is simple: black curtains, black floor, no props. Just nine chairs and nine men.

In contrast to the stark set, the nine men tell a complex story, that of one of history’s most famous authors. The documentary play explores situations and themes that are sure to cause debate.

“Gross Indecency” opens at 8 p.m. Friday, July 14, at Albany Civic Theater. Additional performances will be at 8 p.m. July 15, 20, 21 and 22; and at 2:30 p.m. July 16.

Wilde, who is famous for such works as “The Picture of Dorian Gray” and “The Importance of Being Ernest,” was known for his artistic flare and witty commentary.

“He was as famous for what he was and his behavior as what he achieved,” Director Pat Kight said. “He was known for his dazzling wile. It was kind of that celebrity status that made him a target by the British government.”

The play, written by Moises Kaufman and members of the Tectonic Theater Project, premiered in New York during the 1997-1998 season. Kaufman and his group composed it in the manner of plays from the Federal Theater Project during the Great Depression. The FTP used newspaper clippings and current events as basis for plays and often caused controversy with the themes.

Likewise, Kaufman used biographies, transcripts and letters to explore the controversial trials that charged Wilde with “gross indecency with male persons,” a crime in Victorian England.

In April 1895, the first trial began after Wilde charged John Sholto Douglas, the ninth marquess of Queensbury, with libel. Queensbury had left a calling card, accusing Wilde of “posing as a Somdomite” (Queensbury misspelled sodomite), at a club where Wilde was a member. Despite being the plaintiff, the author was forced to act defensively during the trial because of the nature of the accusation.

“Wilde took full advantage of the trials to be witty, charming and dazzling,” Kight said.

After three days, Wilde withdrew his case when the trial began to turn on him, and submitted to the charge of “posing.”

Wilde’s second trial began on April 26, 1895. He was charged with 25 counts of “gross indecency with male persons.” However, the jury in this second trial was unable to reach a verdict. The government continued to pursue the case, and in May 1895 a jury found Wilde guilty; he was sentenced to two years of hard labor.

“Before this trial, there was no definition of homosexual,” Kight said. “There were was no concept of someone being a homosexual. And this trial changed that. The stereotypes that we have even today are based on who Oscar Wilde was.

“This trial was hugely famous. It was reported on around the world. Our culture, even today, is still fighting out the cultural battle that resulted from it.”

Although a serious topic, the documentary style of the production allows for humor. All the dialogue is true, taken from the works Kaufman researched, so the audience gets a taste of Wilde’s artistic and, to some, outlandish personality.

“The actors spend a lot of time speaking directly to the audience,” Kight said. “It’s a combination of acting out the scenes and talking with the audience.”

The cast includes: Gary Burris as Oscar Wilde; Eric Jones as Lord Alfred Douglas; Russ Roberts as Sir Edward Clarke; Jay Thompson as the Marquess of Queensbury; Dennis Glidden as Edward Carson; Cameron McFee as Narrator One; Michael Brugger as Narrator Two; Joseph Schilz as Narrator Three; and Tom Mitchell as Narrator Four.

If you go

WHAT: “Gross Indecency: The Three Trials of Oscar Wilde,” a play by Moises Kaufman.

WHERE: Albany Civic Theater, 111 First Ave. W., Albany.

WHEN: 8 p.m. July 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22; and 2:30 p.m. July 16.

TICKETS: $9, general, and $6 for people over 60 and under 18. Tickets available at Sid Stevens Jewelers in Albany; Rice’s Pharmacy in Corvallis; or at the ACT box office 45 minutes before curtain.

CONTENT NOTE: Adult themes. Not suitable for children.