OSCAR WILDE Coming to Kidogo Arthouse

A UNIQUE evening about Oscar Wilde, celebrating his life and legacy with some personal letters never before revealed, comes to the Kidogo Arthouse at Bathers Beach, Fremantle, from November 2 to 4.

Written, devised and directed by Frank Murphy, Never Give All of the Heart traces Wilde's rise to fame, his downfall and explores his meetings with George Bernard Shaw, Yeats and Dame Nelly Melba.

Embodying the spirit of Wilde is Perth actor Lucy Eyre, who assumes the part of the young artist and devoted family man adored by his children, lionised by the literary world and loved and indulged by audiences.

Eyre's current pre-occupation has been completing her PhD in performing arts at the WA Academy of Performing Arts, specifically in playwriting and the topic of migration.

"It's has been a wonderful experience to step into Wilde's flamboyant world of excess and hedonism," she said.

"It's great being back treading the boards, my first passion. I feel at home on stage, having previously played the mother in Arthur Miller's All My Sons for GRADS, Mama Rose in Gypsy and many other diverse roles at Perth's leading venues, including Downstairs at the Maj, the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts and Blue Room Theatre. "

Fiona Mariah, well-known to Australian and international audiences as an opera singer, makes her professional Australian acting debut playing many roles within Oscar Wilde's story including his wife Constance, Bosie who contributed to his spectacular downfall, Madame Melba and other characters who populated Wilde's flamboyant life .

Writer and director Frank Murphy has managed to juggle twin careers in theatre and radio for many years. Having worked with Radio Telefis Eireann in Drama he also formed a company and was one of the leading lights of the Project Arts Centre in Dublin.

Trained by the Abby Theatre as a director, he has directed the world premiere of Sean O'Casey's Behind the Green Curtains as well as many diverse productions from Brecht to Gilbert and Sullivan.

Since migrating to Perth in 1995, he has committed himself to developing young dramatic talent at Wesley College as well as being heavily involved in all aspects of theatre life in WA.

Murphy is well-known among radio listeners for his informative artist interviews and highly-researched program values during his weekly show Song For Ireland on Radio Fremantle 107.9FM from 7am to 9am every Saturday.

"Never Give All of the Heart is a unique evening with Oscar Wilde, the brilliant Irish literary genius of his age, and feted celebrity of the Fin de Sciecle," he said.

"The legacy of his work and extraordinary wit have been dramatised, along with his tragic downfall and the trial that scandalised a disapproving Puritan society.

"Newly discovered personal letters and correspondence explore his decline from celebrity to infamy."

Presented by Song For Ireland Productions in association with the Australian-Irish Heritage Association, Never Give All of the Heart plays at 7.30pm, November 2, 3 and 4. Tickets are $25 - book at www.trybooking.com/JKRP.

Kidogo Arthouse is located at Bathers Beach, Mews Road, Fremantle.