Oscar Wilde never made it to Australia. Although, his legendary 1882 tour of the United States of America was formative in establishing his international reputation and refining his unique capacity as a showman. Sometimes, the most effective way to carve out your place at home is to leave. Temporarily.
Oscar Wilde first published The Young King in 1891 in his collection of short stories, A House of Pomegranates. 127 years later, we are thrilled to be taking this powerful exploration of privilege and leadership back to Ireland for a season at the prestigious Dublin Theatre Festival, ahead of a six-venue tour of Ireland and England (Bath and Darlington). Our very own grand tour.
Oscar Wilde’s short story The Young King is a tale of transformation about a young Goatherd that discovered he was heir to the throne, only to reject it, confirming for all that he was indeed an ideal leader.
The Young King has been transformative for Slingsby too. Our production, which premiered in the former Dazzeland theme park for Adelaide Festival 2016, has already taken us on tours to Riverside Theatres Parramatta, New Victory Theatre, New York, Sydney Opera House and a six-week tour of USA including seasons in New Jersey, Kansas, Arkansas, Michigan and at the Pittsburgh International Children’s Festival. In 2019 the show continues its travels with tours to Vancouver, Iowa and Ohio ahead of a seven state and territory national tour of Australia.
We are incredibly proud to be following in Oscar Wilde’s footsteps – leaving home, in order to return renewed.
Oscar, we are forever in your debt.
– Slingsby
Irish audiences can catch The Young King in Dublin, Blanchardstown, Galway, Castlebar and Newbridge.
Read more about Slingsby’s The Young King including full creative list and promo clip.