Who is Earnest? This is the question of importance in Phnom Penh Players latest production, Oscar Wilde’s classic “The Importance of Being Earnest.”
Set in 19th century England, the play is a comedy that follows the misadventures of Algernon Moncrieff (Danny Whitehead) a self-absorbed hedonist, and Jack Worthing (Paul Moclair), his agitated companion.
Jack, who lives in the country, creates a reprobate brother named Earnest who lives in the city as an excuse for him to escape mundane affairs at home. When Algernon finds out about the sham brother, he goes to Jack’s home to take on the role of Earnest, and charm Jack’s beautiful ward, Cecily.
The only problem is when Gwendolyn, Jack’s romantic interest in the city, who of course knows him as Earnest, shows up and the two girls believe they are involved with the same man. Sound confusing? It is. But the confusion adds a hilarious touch to this satire about the trivialities of love and marriage.
Philippa Thomas, director of the play, said she has wanted to do Wilde’s play since high school.
“It’s a kind of revolutionary comedy for its time. It’s still very funny, despite being over a hundred years old,” she said.
The actors are all amateur expats and work well together. The contrast between laid-back Algernon and high-strung Jack creates a comical dynamic. Cecily’s sweetness juxtaposed against and Gwendolyn’s shrewdness only adds to the humor, and the gregarious Reverend Chausible (Ian Kidd) is a jolt of caffeine. Together, they create an impressive amateur performance.
The play runs from May 25 to May 27 at the Russian Cultural Center. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for Khmers and volunteers. All proceeds go to support Cambodian performing arts.
“Ideally, the foreigners will have fun acting, the audience will have fun watching, and money will be raised for the performing arts,” Thomas said.
