My earliest introduction to Oscar Wilde was in high school through his novel The Picture of Dorian Gray, a haunting meditation on beauty, morality, and the cost of indulgence. In that story, Dorian Gray, a young man of extraordinary beauty, remains eternally youthful while his hidden portrait ages and reveals the toll of his corruption and sins—a brilliant allegory of vanity, consequence, and the masks we wear. My friend, Samuel Watkins, argues that it is the simplest yet most fantastic book he has ever read as it perfectly portrays Wilde’s genius in his effortless blend of wit and wisdom, humor and heartbreak—qualities that shine brightly in all his works. There are not many people I have met who share the same obsession with literature as Samuel does – and his appreciation of fine music, philosophy, and books is so great that it eclipses his brilliance.
One thing has been constant since I took to literature: “The truth is rarely pure and never simple” [Algernon Moncrieff, Act I, The Importance of Being Earnest]. But the truth I discovered behind IE Theatre Club’s most recent production, The Importance of Being Earnest, is both honest and heartening: it was a wild, Wilde ride of collaboration, creativity, and a whole lot of character work.
This spring, the stage lights shone on a reimagined version of Wilde’s classic satire, co-organized by Fiona Colon, who somehow managed to juggle roles as both creative director and actor. Alongside her, Isabella Deshon embodied the attitude of Gwendolen Fairfax, delivering wit, flair, and a whole lot of Victorian charm with a modern twist. Both Fiona and Isabella are third- and fourth-year students in the Bachelor of Communications and Digital Media program at IE University. The former is originally from Nicaragua, and the latter is American-Irish. Over the past few weeks, I had the opportunity to speak with the duo about their experiences and the behind-the-scenes of the production.
Juggling Hats
“It was really hard, honestly,” Fiona shared, reflecting on the challenge of directing and producing while also acting. From changing the entire play after casting to adding door tickets on opening day, her behind-the-scenes hustle was relentless. “Long-term, it was extremely rewarding,” she added. “I was able to learn so much and meet amazing people.”
For a play rooted in 19th-century London high society, staging Earnest in 2024 came with its share of irony and modernity. “We didn’t want it to feel like a museum piece,” Fiona explained. With help from Jacobo Vila, the setting was relocated to New York, modern references were incorporated, and the text was carefully adapted over six months of research. The result? A version that stayed true to Wilde’s voice and tune, while making it relatable for a student audience.
Escape Through Art
The production process grew into a place of friendship, bonding, and an enlivening experience for its cast and crew. “It was an escape from the business-focused world of IE,” Fiona said. Despite juggling coursework, internships, and final exams, many students found solace in rehearsals.
That sentiment echoed in Isabella’s reflections: “Though it was a challenge balancing rehearsals with my final year thesis and classes, I found joy in the process. Gwendolen is a character so different from me, but I grew incredibly fond of her.”
Chemistry, Cast, and Cues Dynamics
Isabella has been involved with every play since her first year at IE, and made many friends along the way. But playing Gwendolen was completely new, yet exciting for her, as she learned to embrace the Victorian’s spirit. She had to spend a great deal of time mastering comedic timing, perfecting high-society posture, and leaning into the performance with a blend of discipline and affection.
“One of my favorite scenes,” she said, “was the passive-aggressive tea scene with Cecily. Athénaïs and I had so much fun playing off each other’s energy.”
Of course, the romantic storyline required another kind of chemistry. “Playing opposite Jacobo was a challenge at first,” Isabella admitted, “but the more we rehearsed, the more natural it became.”
The cast dynamic was its own kind of comedy. “Apart from two returning cast members, everyone was new,” Isabella shared. “We became friends quickly. Every rehearsal brought laughter, awkward moments, and inside jokes.”
Both Fiona and Isabella emphasized the importance of trust—in the material, in their castmates, and in the shared vision. “Don’t direct and produce unless you have to,” Fiona advised future student creatives, “and trust your cast and crew. They care more than you think.”
Earnest Lessons and Final Bows
When asked what she would miss most, Isabella didn’t hesitate: “Everything. The people, the process, the feeling of being on stage.” She added with a smile, “When the show happened, it felt like five minutes. It came and went.”
So what if Gwendolen were a student at IE? “She’d be a BBA student,” Isabella quipped. “She’s bold, confident, and definitely has a knack for business.”
In the end, the production left behind more than laughter, applause, and a lasting impression on its audience. The club showed what possibilities can be achieved through collaboration, courage, and a cast that finds something earnest in each other.
Because as Wilde reminds us: “To be natural is such a very difficult pose to keep up”, yet, the IE Theatre Club did it—brilliantly.
