A WILDE MAN BEHIND THE FACE

"Live! Live the wonderful life that is in you! Let nothing be lost upon you. Be always searching for new sensations. Be afraid of nothing. . . ."

The only published novel of the famed master of literacy, Oscar Wilde, is celebrated in an ingenious new theatre adaptation of the story of The Picture of Dorian Gray [published in 1890, before he reached his height of fame], as the renowned talent of Big Telly Theatre Company brings this intriguing work of art to life with an All-Ireland spring tour from Friday 3 February to Saturday 11 March.

Award-winning creators of the successful water-theatre premiere, The Little Mermaid, Big Telly has created yet another charming not to be missed production, in an ingenious adaptation of decadence and deceit, where Wilde celebrates a soul of beautiful potential, highlighting how easy it can be to be influenced by youth, reputation and love, in a masterpiece of mystery and wit. This late Nineteenth Century novel has much to say to today's world, obsessed with youth and image, a world where age is never put before beauty. The production, which sold out weeks ago at the OMAC in Belfast, will bring together the company's contemporary approach to popular Irish Classics and its reputation for theatrical innovation and visual flair.

Dorian Gray's wish for eternal youth is granted and he sends his portrait off to the attic to grow old ungracefully while he lives for the moment and sends himself on a journey of unimaginable indulgence. An army of servants wait on him hand and foot in a highly theatrical combination of hard labour and utter idleness. Although Wilde's masterpiece of mystery and wit is over a hundred years old, it too remains eerily young as it foretells the world's preoccupation with beauty and youth. The combination of a sinister fable full of charismatic characters, the unmistakable wit of Wilde and the extraordinary theatrical invention for which Big Telly is known, makes for yet another highly interesting experience that audiences are indulging in.

Zoë Seaton, Artistic Director for Big Telly, continues to shine an extraordinary creative approach to contemporary theatre, ensuring her productions reflect a relevance to social issues. A busy programme of community outreach projects is in action in association with The Picture of Dorian Gray production.

A Creative Youth Partnerships programme for Big Telly's The Picture of Dorian Gray is also introducing schoolchildren to theatre relating to English and Drama curriculum. But, its not only youngsters who are benefiting from Big Telly's imaginative projects. Older people province-wide, associated with the Arts for Older People Network and Third Age Arts charities, are enjoying nineteen Cameo and Interactive Movement workshops as part of The Picture of Dorian Gray tour.

Famous wildlife artist, Julian Friers, has also been involved in the project, creating a painted scenic masterpiece of his own on The Picture of Dorian Gray production stage set.