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128 NW Eleventh Ave, Portland, OR 97209 · 503-445-3700 · www.pcs.org
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The Importance of Being Earnest

June 1 – 29, 2025
On the U.S. Bank Main Stage

If you like:

The Importance of Being Earnest

  • By Oscar Wilde
  • Adapted by Kamilah Bush
  • Directed by Josiah Davis

JUMP TO: Dates, Run Time, Playbill, & More

A world-premiere adaptation!

Set in a version of 1919 that nods knowingly at today, this Earnest unfolds in a world not unlike D.C. in our current moment—where wealth, identity, and reputation remain a currency of survival. Bush reimagines Wilde’s dandies as queer-coded, class-hopping schemers: Jack is the “femme fastidious one,” Algernon, the “masc party boy.” The result is a joyful farce with teeth—delivering Wilde’s infamous wit while interrogating who gets to shape the rules of decorum, desire, and decency. Come for the farce, stay for the romance!

“The rare work of art that achieves perfection on its own terms.” - The New York Times

More About This Production

Preview image for *The Importance of Being Earnest* Reading List

The Importance of Being Earnest Reading List

Calling all readers! Multnomah County Library put together a reading list inspired by our production of The Importance of Being Earnest.

Preview image for Reviews of *The Importance of Being Earnest*

Reviews of The Importance of Being Earnest

See what people have to say about this production!

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Event: An Evening with Kennedy Ryan

Tue, May 20, 7:30 p.m.  •  $25*

Join us to celebrate Kennedy Ryan and the release of Can’t Get Enough!, hosted in partnership with Grand Gesture Books.

Preview image for Adult Class: Before & After - The Importance of Being Earnest

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May 29, Jun 5, & Jun 12  •  $129

Join Literary Manager and Playwright Kamilah Bush for a special look at her playwriting and adaptation process, the work of Oscar Wilde and bringing a new play to life in this world premiere production at PCS.

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June 5 – August 7  •  FREE

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Preview image for Pre-show Event by Liminal Bodies

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Join us for a BIPOC Affinity Night pre-show event titled Rest | Joy | Play III: A Queer Literaoke Pop Up! for both Chris Grace: As Scarlett Johansson and The Importance of Being Earnest, hosted by Liminal Bodies.

Preview image for Hyphen Student Group BIPOC Zine Fest

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Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).

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