The Importance of Being Earnest—“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.” What starts as a simple meeting between friends becomes one of the most popular stories of all time. Proposals, engagements, arrangements, and laughs abound in Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy of manners. This production of The Importance of Being Earnest will focus solely on BIPOC artists working on the timeless script. Director Charles T. Thomas asks, “In a comedy of manners, what does it look like for minorities to relate to each other in a way that has become popularized (and almost necessary) by the white societal structures around them? Are there moments when personal reactions/feelings/responses break through? How aggressive can one be without losing status? WHY IS IT ALL A BIG DEAL?”

Contemporary Classics

Contemporary Classics, formerly Gwinnett Classic Theatre (GCT), exists to challenge and transform classic Western theater traditions by creating an inclusive community of diverse people, ideas, and cultures. The re-organization and re-naming of the company has resulted in a three-person, non-hierarchical team of artists working through consensus to determine programming and to ensure equitable practices that prioritize principles of equality. The revised name and mission statement reflects these commitments, as well as the desire to expand beyond Gwinnett County, although Gwinnett will continue to be the organization’s base.

Learn more at: https://www.onthestage.tickets/contemporary-classics-theatre

This program is supported in part by grants from the Gwinnett Creativity Fund and the Georgia Council for the Arts.  Georgia Council for the Arts also receives support from its partner agency – the National Endowment for the Arts.