"The Judas Kiss"

Oscar Wilde's relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas (Bosie) has inspired contemporary writers for decades. In this heart-breaking account of love tested to destruction, David Hare speculates on two little known moments in Wilde's life: the day he decides to stay in England and face imprisonment, and a night after his release, two years later, when the lover for whom he risked and lost everything betrays him. CHARACTERS: Oscar Wilde: Major part. 40's. Tall (over 6ft), solid man with long hair. Elegant, charismatic, witty and generous man. Lord Alfred Douglas: Known universally as Bosie. Strikingly handsome. Blonde hair. 20's. A major poet in his own right. Volatile, subject to severe mood swings. Aristocratic bearing. very aware of his social position. Robert Ross: The third major character. 20's-30's. Long time friend and supporter of Oscar. Finds himself in constant conflict with Bosie. Sandy Moffatt: Hotel Manager at Cadogan Hotel, London. 50's. Scottish. Refined, elegant, discreet and cautious. Appears in Act One only. Arthur Wellesley: Early twenties. Strong Cockney accent. Works as Porter at Cadogan Hotel, London. Strong, seductive and persuasive young man. Appears in Act One only. Phoebe Cane: Early twenties. Cockney accent. Newly employed as Chambermaid at the Cadogan Hotel, London. Attractive, cheeky. Appears in Act One only. Galileo Masconi. Local fisherman from Posillipo near Naples. Twenties- thirties. Strong, free spirit. Speaks Italian only. Bosie's one-night stand. Appears in Act Two only. The characters of Bosie, Arthur, Phoebe and Galileo may require full/partial nudity on stage. AUDITIONS ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. THEY WILL BE HELD AT THE THEATRE ON SUNDAY 25TH AND MONDAY 26TH APRIL FROM 7:30PM