Nicole Buscema and Matthew Shaw star in George Brown Theatre’s production of An Ideal Husband. Photo: Andrew Oxenham

An Ideal Husband, opening George Brown Theatre’s 2013/2014 season, exceeded my expectations. Brilliantly performed and directed theatre piece is running until Nov. 16 at Young Centre for the Performing Arts.   

The group of young and emerging actors, directed by James Simon (Artistic Director, George Brown Theatre) has kept An Ideal Husband, which premiered in 1895, staying current and interesting. Written by a considerable contributor to English literature and the master of words, Oscar Wilde, the play sparks with sarcasm, eloquence, deceptively simple language and social entourage of that time.

“One of the greatest delights and challenges of a piece of theatre like this is being able to use the play’s powerful language to tell a compelling story,” said Warren Macaulay, playing Sir Robert Chiltern. “Oscar Wilde’s words are full of colour, wit and passion and it’s been a great experience grappling with them, while at the same time, a great pleasure to speak them. The ideas and emotions in the play are not unlike those we think and feel today, while the language demands a certain dexterity and grace.”

The play revolves around the lives of two reputable men: successful and respected politician Sir Robert Chiltern (Warren Macaulay) and his friend charismatic dandy Lord Arthur Goring (Matt Shaw). A quiet peaceful life is turned upside down by the emergence of old acquaintance Mrs. Laura Cheveley (Nicole Buscema). Blackmailing Sir Chiltern to reveal the truth of the political scam that brought him wealth and social respect, she also threatens to ruin his friendship with Goring and marital happiness with Gertrude. The secret becomes apparent, impugning the image of an ideal husband that Chiltern was bearing with reverence for years.

“The play deals with the way in which women and men love and how we are truly different from each other. The question of morals and what we consider to be ‘the ideal’ are also prominent subject matters,” said Macaulay.

Stressing the need to be forgiven for the past sins, Wilde may speak about his own story. Being imprisoned for “gross indecency” for being gay the writer’s name was publicly taken off the play which didn’t influence its worldwide success.

“Although there have been many different versions of An Ideal Husband, each production brings a different interpretation to the piece,” said Nicole Buscema, playing villainous seductress Mrs. Cheveley. “When you approach a character in a play all you can do is bring your own elements of experience and interpretation, which produces a different portrayal of the character every time a new actor performs the role. In this sense, even though the play has been performed thousands of times before each new interpretation brings something different and refreshing.”

An exciting performance brings the feeling that even conventional theatre can be fun and enjoyable. Uncovering ideas of the position of women in society, political commotion and others makes a spectator compare it with the current reality.

“It is a very riveting tale of political blackmail, young love, and high fashion, of all things, all of which are still incredibly relevant today,” said Matt Shaw, playing the most sarcastic character Lord Goring. “Take a look at our current mayor Rob Ford and all of the scandals he is involved in lately. Politicians are still as crooked and easily tempted by money and power as they were one 120 years ago, although I don’t think any of them back then were doing crack cocaine.”

To explore very human themes and experience the theatre at its finest, follow George Brown Theatre plays in the 2013/2014 season.

“I think that live theatre can be a truly magical experience for people from all walks of life; theatre is able to put a mirror up to society and show us something about ourselves. For these reasons, I think GBC students would really enjoy this experience,” said Macaulay.