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!
GENERAL PERFORMANCE TIMES*
Evenings
Wednesdays – Sundays at 7:30 p.m.
Matinees
Saturdays & Sundays at 2 p.m.
Select Thursdays at 2 p.m.
*Schedule may vary for some shows. Please check our season calendar to confirm.
2 hours and 20 minutes, including one 20-minute intermission.
Audio Described
June 15, 2 p.m.
Sign Interpreted
June 26, 7:30 p.m.
Open Captioned
June 28, 2 p.m.
Assistive listening devices are available for all performances.
We are committed to making our performances and facilities accessible to all of our patrons.
For the 7:30 p.m. performance of The Importance of Being Earnest
BIPOC Affinity Nights are a mindful curation of an environment meant to center the experience of people who identify as part of the BIPOC community (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) — dedicated to generating a space for BIPOC individuals to engage with the performance in ways that are authentic to them.
All people who self-identify as BIPOC, and their guests, are specifically invited to attend. Though no one will be turned away, it is encouraged that folks outside of the BIPOC community join us on another night.
The Importance of Being Earnest is recommended for ages 12 and up. Contains strobe-like lighting effects.
Learn more by calling 503-445-3700.
We have deals to meet every schedule and budget!
Health and flexibility are our top priorities. Please read about the protocols we have in place to ensure the health and safety of our patrons, artists, staff, and community.
More About This Production
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.
Related Events
Event: An Evening with Kennedy Ryan
Join us to celebrate Kennedy Ryan and the release of Can’t Get Enough!, hosted in partnership with Grand Gesture Books.
Adult Class: Before & After - The Importance of Being Earnest
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.
June First Thursday featuring Adriana Wagner
June First Thursday will feature live music by the Adriana Wagner Quartet in the Main Lobby and art exhibits by Krystal Pérez and Orlando Almanza.
Art Exhibit: Gente de Río by Orlando Almanza
Portland Center Stage will host Gente de Río, a painting exhibit by Cuban-born artist Orlando Almanza featuring large-scale, luminous portraits that reflect his deeply personal memories of rest, family, and community.
Chris Grace: Sardines (One Night Only!)
Join us for a one night only showing of "Sardines: A Comedy About Death," the newest solo show by Chris Grace!
Pre-show Event by Liminal Bodies
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.
Hyphen Student Group BIPOC Zine Fest
Join Hyphen, PNCA’s student-led BIPOC student group, for a vibrant Zine Fest at Portland Center Stage on June 21 and 28th.
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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