Synopsis
The Picture of Dorian Gray - DPS ACTING EDITION
Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa from Oscar Wilde
Published by Dramatists Play Service
5 Male 2 Female
London, 1988 - preternaturally handsome Dorian Gray has his portrait painted by his college classmate, the on-the-rise artist Basil Hallwood
When their mutual friend Henry Wotton offers to include it in a show, Dorian makes a fateful wish - that his portrait should grow old instead of him
And in so doing he strikes an unspeakable bargain with the devil
Dorian begins a steady decline into a life of depravity, following a twisted path that will lead him towards sexual deviance, violence, and much, much worse
However, Dorian's vile acts are not reflected upon his own visage, but rather upon Basil's portrait, which seems to rot from within, every one of Dorian's sins warping it more and more
The portrait is Dorian's secret, and he will do anything to keep it hidden and safe
Even kill, if he has to
Reviews
"The debauchery and gothic abandon of Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa's modern adaptation is a sight for stingy eyes ... very Grand Guignol" ~ Washington Times
"Gritting, gripping, and at times gut-wrenching, this provocative adaptation transplants Wilde's characters from the late eighteenth century to 1980s London, but the scandalous, often shocking heart of the story remains" ~ Washingtonian
"Stylish, sexy and unspeakably cool ... brilliantly drawn ... a clever take on a classic story" ~ Metro Weekly